Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

A Message from the Ministry

The frost that blanketed the world hadn't touched Hogsmeade, nestled safely inside Harry's sanctuary. The village, once a bustling hub for Hogwarts students, had become a key part of the community. Its cobbled streets were lively again, with residents working in shops and enjoying the rare comfort of normalcy.

Hogsmeade wasn't just part of the sanctuary—it was one of its anchors. Enclosed under the dome's protection, it symbolized a bridge between the magical past and the uncertain future.

Harry stood in the Great Hall, reading a letter that had arrived through the Memory Keeper network. It bore the Ministry's official seal, but the handwriting was Hermione's—a familiar, comforting script.

The Ministry's Plea

The letter began with formality:

**"Harry,

The Ministry acknowledges the success of your sanctuary. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. However, the frost continues to devastate the wizarding world, and the Ministry is struggling to contain the damage."**

Harry's eyes scanned further, his expression growing thoughtful.

**"We would like to open a dialogue regarding your methods, resources, and the possibility of collaboration. Your leadership has proven invaluable in these times, and we believe working together could strengthen our efforts.

Please let us know if you're willing to meet."**

The message was signed by Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister for Magic.

Harry folded the letter, sighing heavily. Luna, standing nearby, tilted her head curiously.

"Well?" she asked.

Harry handed her the parchment. "They want to talk. They're asking for help."

Luna read through the letter, then looked up with her usual calm expression. "Do you think they mean it?"

"I think they're desperate," Harry said. "The Ministry doesn't reach out unless they have no other choice."

Hogsmeade as the Meeting Point

Later that day, Harry met with his core team in the Great Hall to discuss the letter.

"They're asking for a meeting," Harry said, summarizing the letter for those who hadn't read it. "They want to collaborate, but they didn't say how."

Draco scoffed. "The Ministry is only interested in saving face. They ignored the sanctuaries for months, and now they want to swoop in and act like they've been leading the charge all along?"

Neville frowned. "That's not fair. Kingsley's different. He's always been on our side."

"He's also running a fractured Ministry," Harry said. "Half of them probably don't even want to admit we exist."

Percy, ever practical, adjusted his glasses. "If we do this, we need to set the terms. We can't let the Ministry dictate how we operate. The sanctuary's independence is vital."

Harry nodded. "I agree. But we can't ignore them, either. If working with the Ministry helps more people, we have to at least try."

The conversation paused as another letter arrived through the Memory Keeper network. Harry opened it, recognizing Hermione's handwriting.

**"Harry,

Thank you for considering the meeting. Kingsley suggests Hogsmeade as the location, given its proximity and its neutrality within your sanctuary. We can be there tomorrow at noon.

Best regards,
Hermione Granger"**

Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head. "They want to meet in Hogsmeade."

"Convenient," Draco said dryly. "Considering it's already part of the sanctuary."

"Exactly," Harry replied. "But it also makes sense. It's neutral enough and close enough that we can manage security."

Preparation for the Meeting

The team quickly began making arrangements for the meeting. Draco, with his sharp eye for detail, ensured that the chosen building in Hogsmeade was clean, secure, and ready for the delegation.

"Honeydukes is out," Draco said, smirking. "I assume we're not serving chocolate frogs at this meeting?"

"Use the Three Broomsticks," Harry said. "It's big enough and easy to secure."

Meanwhile, Neville and Luna worked with other residents to prepare the area around the meeting place, ensuring it looked welcoming but also reinforced with wards.

"We'll need extra precautions," Neville said, his wand tracing the protective lines of an enchantment. "Just in case."

"Don't worry," Luna said with a serene smile. "The dome won't let anything bad happen here."

Hogsmeade in the Sanctuary

By the next morning, Hogsmeade was bustling with quiet activity. Residents who had made their homes in the village watched curiously as Harry's team finalized preparations for the Ministry's arrival.

The streets, lined with shops and homes, felt alive again—protected from the frost and filled with the hum of hopeful energy. It was a reminder of what they were fighting for: a community where people could thrive, not just survive.

As Harry walked through the village, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Hogsmeade was more than a meeting point; it was a symbol of what the sanctuary had become.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Harry stood outside the Three Broomsticks, waiting for the Ministry's delegation. The frost loomed beyond the dome, a constant reminder of the stakes.

"We're doing the right thing," Luna said beside him.

Harry nodded, though his expression was guarded. "Let's hope the Ministry sees it that way."

The dome shimmered faintly, casting a golden glow over Hogsmeade. The sanctuary had proven it could protect its own—but now, it was time to see if they could protect the wizarding world as well.