Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Preparations for the Meeting

The announcement of the Ministry's impending visit sent a ripple through the sanctuary. While many residents were curious, others were skeptical about allowing Ministry officials into their safe haven.

Harry, however, focused on one thing: ensuring the meeting would be secure, organized, and productive.

Securing the Meeting Place

The Three Broomsticks, chosen as the venue for the meeting, bustled with activity as Draco led a team to prepare the space.

"Wards first," Draco instructed, his wand flicking toward the windows and doors. Layers of shimmering magic settled over the building, ensuring it was protected from any potential intrusions.

"Are we expecting trouble?" Neville asked, stepping in with a bundle of supplies.

"With the Ministry?" Draco raised an eyebrow. "Always. But we're not taking any chances. These wards will keep the frost—and any magical eavesdroppers—out."

Neville nodded, placing fresh flowers on the tables to brighten the room. "We should at least make it look welcoming. They'll be more cooperative if they feel comfortable."

"I'll leave the pleasantries to you," Draco said dryly.

The Sanctuary's Response

Outside the Three Broomsticks, a group of residents gathered to discuss the upcoming meeting.

"Why are we letting the Ministry in?" a man asked, his voice tinged with distrust. "They've ignored us for months. Now they want our help?"

"We're stronger together," Luna said calmly, addressing the crowd. "The Ministry has resources and knowledge that could benefit everyone. If we work together, we can do more."

"Do you trust them?" a woman asked.

"I trust Harry," Luna replied simply, her serene smile easing some of the tension.

Meanwhile, Harry and Percy worked on drafting a list of discussion points for the meeting.

"They're going to ask how the sanctuary operates," Percy said, his quill scratching across the parchment. "What are we willing to share?"

"We'll explain the basics," Harry said. "How we've used the dome's resources and built a community. But we don't give away any secrets that could compromise us."

"And the capturing mirrors?" Percy asked.

Harry nodded. "We'll offer to share them. They've already made a difference for the other sanctuaries. If the Ministry can use them to monitor the frost, it could save lives."

A Plan for Collaboration

In the Great Hall, Hermione's message sat open on the table as the core team discussed the meeting's agenda.

"What do we want from the Ministry?" Neville asked.

"Support," Harry said. "If they can send us supplies—medical equipment, potions, tools—we can focus more on helping other sanctuaries."

"And their people?" Luna added. "The Ministry has a network we don't. They can reach areas we can't."

Draco leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. "And what do they want from us? Because they'll want something. The Ministry doesn't collaborate out of the goodness of their hearts."

"They'll want control," Percy said grimly. "They'll want to impose their rules on the sanctuaries."

"They won't get it," Harry said firmly. "We're independent, and we stay that way."

The Day Before

As the day of the meeting drew closer, the sanctuary hummed with quiet anticipation. Workers moved through the village, tidying streets and ensuring Hogsmeade looked its best.

In the vineyard, Luna gathered bottles of freshly made juice to serve at the meeting. "A touch of hospitality goes a long way," she said, smiling at the workers helping her.

At the gatehouse, Draco inspected the security measures. "No one gets through without verification," he instructed the gatekeepers. "We're expecting the Ministry, but that doesn't mean we lower our guard."

A Late-Night Discussion

That evening, Harry sat with Neville and Luna near the orchard, the three of them sharing a quiet moment before the meeting.

"Do you think this will work?" Neville asked, breaking the silence.

"It has to," Harry said, staring at the shimmering dome in the distance. "The frost isn't stopping. We can't do this alone forever."

Luna tilted her head, her gaze distant but calm. "The Ministry needs us as much as we need them. This meeting is just the beginning."

Neville nodded slowly. "It's strange, isn't it? All of us, working together after everything that's happened."

Harry smiled faintly. "Strange, but necessary. This sanctuary isn't just for us anymore—it's for everyone."

As the stars twinkled above the sanctuary, preparations for the meeting continued late into the night. The Three Broomsticks stood ready, its wards strong and its tables set. The streets of Hogsmeade gleamed under the dome's golden light, a beacon of hope in a frozen world.

Harry knew the stakes were high, but as he looked around at his team and the community they had built, he felt a sense of quiet determination.

Tomorrow would bring challenges, but it would also bring opportunity. And together, they were ready to face it.