Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

The Meeting

The golden light of the dome shimmered as the morning sun bathed Hogsmeade in a gentle glow. Inside the Three Broomsticks, the sanctuary's team put the finishing touches on the meeting space. The large central table was set with fresh juice from the vineyard, warm bread from the local bakery, and simple but welcoming decorations.

Outside, Harry stood near the entrance with Percy, Neville, and Draco. They had been waiting for nearly twenty minutes when the apparition point flared with a soft pop. Four sanctuary guards stepped forward, their postures professional as they approached Harry.

"They're here," one of the guards said.

Harry nodded. "Bring them in."

The Ministry Delegation Arrives

Kingsley Shacklebolt was the first to step through the shimmering barrier at the apparition point. His tall, commanding presence was as steady as ever, though his sharp eyes betrayed the weight of the crisis.

Behind him came Hermione, her expression calm but serious, followed by Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, his magical eye spinning to take in every detail of the surroundings. The last member of the delegation was a younger Auror named Jim, whose gaze darted nervously as he adjusted his robes.

Harry stepped forward to greet them. "Minister Shacklebolt," he said, extending a hand.

Kingsley clasped it firmly. "Harry. Thank you for agreeing to this meeting."

Hermione gave Harry a small smile. "It's good to see you."

Harry nodded to her, then turned to Moody. "Mad-Eye."

"Potter," Moody growled, his tone gruff but approving. "Good security you've got here. Your people know their jobs."

"They do," Harry said. He gestured toward the Three Broomsticks. "Shall we?"

The Meeting Begins

Inside, the group gathered around the central table. Kingsley, Hermione, Moody, and Jim took one side, while Harry, Percy, Neville, and Draco sat opposite.

Kingsley leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. "Let me start by saying thank you, Harry. What you've built here—it's remarkable. You've saved lives, and we're here to discuss how we can support you in continuing that work."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Support, or control?"

Kingsley met Draco's gaze evenly. "Support. The Ministry has no intention of interfering with the sanctuaries' independence."

Hermione nodded. "We're not here to dictate terms, Draco. We're here because the frost is affecting everyone, and we need to work together."

Neville spoke up. "Then let's be clear from the start. This sanctuary operates independently. Harry's in charge, and that doesn't change."

"Agreed," Kingsley said. "Our goal isn't to take over—it's to collaborate. The Ministry has resources that could help strengthen what you've already built."

Harry studied Kingsley for a moment, then said, "What resources are we talking about?"

The Ministry's Offer

Hermione took out a scroll and unrolled it. "Medical supplies, potions, enchanted tools, and staff for areas where you need help—healers, agricultural specialists, warders. We also have access to data about the frost's progression, gathered by the Department of Mysteries."

Mad-Eye leaned forward. "We can also increase the number of Aurors patrolling the frost's edge. It's creeping closer every day, and if something starts to push through, you'll want backup."

Percy frowned. "And what does the Ministry want in return?"

Kingsley sighed. "We're asking for transparency. If the frost behaves differently near your sanctuary—or if the dome does something unusual—we need to know. That information could help us protect other areas."

"And the capturing mirrors?" Hermione asked, her tone careful. "We've seen the reports about how they're being used in other sanctuaries. The Ministry would benefit greatly from having them as well."

Harry's Conditions

Harry exchanged a glance with Neville, then with Draco and Percy. Finally, he said, "We can share the capturing mirrors. I'll have my team prepare a shipment for the Ministry, along with instructions on how to use them. But the sanctuary's autonomy isn't negotiable.

"We'll share updates about the frost and the dome, but only what's necessary. This is a safe haven for people who've been failed by the Ministry before, and I won't jeopardize that trust."

Kingsley nodded slowly. "Fair enough. And the resources we're offering?"

"We'll take the medical supplies and potions," Harry said. "But if you're sending staff, they need to answer to me—or someone I designate. No one from the Ministry takes charge here."

"Understood," Kingsley said.

Hermione leaned forward. "There's one more thing we'd like to propose—a communication network between the sanctuaries and the Ministry. Real-time updates could save lives."

Harry nodded. "We've been working on something like that already. We can include the Ministry in the network, as long as it's mutual. No secrets."

The Compromise

The negotiations continued for two hours, with each side clarifying their expectations and concerns.

Mad-Eye's voice rumbled through the room as he addressed Draco. "What happens when this dome fails? You have a backup plan?"

Draco smirked faintly. "This dome isn't failing. But if it does, I assure you, the sanctuary won't crumble."

Hermione addressed Neville next. "How are you managing the crops? Could we send specialists to study your methods?"

Neville nodded. "As long as they respect the dome's magic and work alongside our people, not above them."

Kingsley stood as the discussion drew to a close. "It seems we have a compromise. The Ministry will provide resources, and you'll share what you can about the frost and the dome. In return, the sanctuary remains autonomous, with Harry in charge."

End of the Meeting

As the Ministry delegation prepared to leave, Kingsley extended a hand to Harry.

"Thank you," Kingsley said. "I know this wasn't easy, but it's the right step forward."

Harry shook his hand firmly. "I hope so. We're stronger together, but we can't afford to waste time with bureaucracy. People's lives are on the line."

Hermione lingered for a moment after the others left. "You've done something incredible here, Harry," she said softly. "I'm proud of you."

Harry smiled faintly. "Thanks, Hermione. Let's make sure it lasts."

As the Ministry delegation disappeared beyond the dome, Harry turned back to his team.

"The frost isn't stopping," he said. "But neither are we."

The sanctuary stood strong, ready for whatever came next.