Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Analyzing the Results

The morning after the crystal testing, Harry sat in his office, Percy's notebook open before him. The pages were filled with names, colors, and rankings, each one representing a unique reflection of the students' magical cores and their perceived potential in the Black Tower's mysterious hierarchy.

Percy entered the room, carrying a tray with tea and a stack of neatly organized parchments. "I've compiled a summary of yesterday's results," he said, setting the tray down.

"Thanks," Harry said, taking a cup of tea as he glanced over the parchments. "This is... a lot."

"You asked for a complete record," Percy replied, his tone brisk but not unkind. "And, if I may say so, the results are fascinating."

Notable Observations

Percy sat across from Harry, pointing to key entries in the notebook.

"First, the higher-ranking students often displayed more vibrant colors in the Core Crystal," Percy began. "Take, for example, that Slytherin fourth-year, Jenna Arkwell. Her rank was 2, and her Core Crystal glowed with a fiery red—a color that radiated confidence and raw magical power."

Harry nodded, recalling Jenna's test. "She was calm but determined, not the type to show off."

"Precisely," Percy said. "It's not just raw magic being measured—it's a combination of traits: strength, potential, focus. The Core Crystal and Ranking Crystal seem to be evaluating more than we initially thought."

Harry flipped to another page. "What about the lower ranks? Are there patterns there?"

Percy tapped his quill against the parchment. "Most of the students ranked 5 or 6 had softer, subtler Core Crystal colors—pale blues, greens, and yellows. But there were exceptions. A Hufflepuff first-year, for instance, had a rank of 5, but her Core Crystal glowed a vibrant orange. Perhaps there's more nuance than we realize."

The Core Crystal's Mystery

Luna entered the office unannounced, her expression serene as always. "The crystals are alive, in a way," she said, taking a seat by the window.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Alive?"

"They resonate with us," Luna explained. "Like they're reflecting not just what we are, but what we could be. The brighter the color, the more... in tune the crystal is with the person holding it."

"That would explain the variability," Percy said thoughtfully. "The crystals aren't just measuring—they're responding."

"Exactly," Luna said. "It's not a hierarchy in the traditional sense. It's more like... a map of potential paths. The Ranking Crystal shows where we stand now, and the Core Crystal hints at what we might become."

Harry leaned back in his chair, considering her words. "If that's true, then the tower isn't just testing us—it's guiding us."

Preparing for What's Next

The room fell silent as the weight of their discoveries sank in. The Black Tower wasn't just a threat; it was a challenge, pushing them to grow stronger and uncover their potential.

"We need to take this seriously," Harry said finally. "These rankings and colors aren't just abstract ideas—they're tools. If the tower is preparing us for something, we need to be ready."

Percy adjusted his glasses, his expression determined. "What's your plan?"

Harry closed the notebook, his mind racing with possibilities. "First, we analyze these results further. Then, we use what we've learned to organize training sessions. Every student needs to understand their strengths and weaknesses—what their crystal results mean for them and how they can use it to prepare for the frost and the tower."

Luna nodded. "We should also test how the crystals interact with spells. If they're alive, they might reveal even more when pushed."

"And," Percy added, "we continue testing with adults and creatures. The more data we have, the clearer the picture will be."

The First Steps

Later that day, Harry called a meeting in the Great Hall. The students and staff gathered, their curiosity palpable.

Harry stood at the front, holding the Ranking Crystal. "Yesterday, we tested these crystals to understand how they interact with us—and what they reveal. What we've learned is that they reflect not just our magic, but our potential. This isn't just a ranking—it's a guide."

He held up the Core Crystal, its translucent surface glowing faintly. "These crystals show us who we are, and who we might become. But they also challenge us to grow. The Black Tower isn't just testing our strengths—it's preparing us for something. And if we're going to survive, we need to rise to that challenge."

The hall was silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

"This is just the beginning," Harry continued. "We're going to train, learn, and grow stronger together. Whatever the frost or the tower throws at us, we'll be ready."

As the meeting ended and the students dispersed, Harry returned to his office with the Ranking Crystal in hand.

The crystal pulsed faintly, the number 100 glowing within its depths. It was a reminder of the responsibility he carried—and the challenges yet to come.

The Black Tower wasn't just testing them—it was shaping them. And Harry knew that whatever lay ahead, the sanctuary would need to be stronger than ever.