Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Preparing the Muggle for Mission Experiment

The next morning, Harry returned to the dome with his mind set on his experiment. If Muggles truly had the potential to face the challenges of the dungeons, it was time to test that theory.

In the Great Hall, Harry convened his core team—Draco, Luna, Neville, Fred, George, and Percy—explaining the plan he had proposed during the leaders' meeting.

"We're going to assemble a team of Muggles," Harry said, his tone firm. "We'll equip them with enchanted gear and send them into the first section of the Black Tower to see how they fare."

Voices of Concern

Draco immediately leaned forward, his expression skeptical. "You're putting a lot of faith in Muggles, Potter. What happens if they don't make it back?"

"That's why we'll choose carefully," Harry replied. "Volunteers only, and we'll make sure they're prepared. We're not sending anyone in blind."

Luna tilted her head, her silvery eyes thoughtful. "It could work. The Core and Ranking Crystals respond to them, after all. Maybe the tower will, too."

Neville frowned. "But what if they don't succeed? Won't this just prove that Muggles can't handle these kinds of challenges?"

"If they fail, we'll learn something," Harry said. "If they succeed, it opens up a whole new set of possibilities—for them, and for us."

Fred grinned. "Besides, who wouldn't want to be the first Muggle dungeon explorer? That sounds like a proper adventure."

Finding the Volunteers

Harry and his team headed into Hogsmeade later that day, where Muggle and magical residents mingled freely. Word of the Core and Ranking Crystals had spread, and many Muggles were intrigued by their newfound connection to magic.

Harry stood in the town square, addressing a small crowd that had gathered.

"We're looking for volunteers," he began. "We've discovered that Muggles have a connection to magic—something that allows you to interact with these crystals and the dungeons. We want to test that connection by sending a team into the Black Tower."

The crowd murmured among themselves, a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"What would we need to do?" a man near the front asked.

Harry smiled. "We'll provide you with enchanted gear—armor, weapons, tools—designed to enhance your abilities. You'll enter the first section of the tower, collect samples, and map the area. If at any point it becomes too dangerous, we'll have a system in place to pull you back."

After a moment of hesitation, a young woman stepped forward. "I'll do it," she said, her voice steady. "If what you're saying is true, I want to see it for myself."

One by one, three others joined her: a middle-aged man, a young engineer, and a former soldier who had worked with sanctuary security.

Equipping the Team

Back at Nigrum Anima, the volunteers were outfitted with enchanted gear:

Shadowsteel Armor, lightweight but durable, designed to protect against both physical and magical attacks.Venomstone Daggers and Frostveil-enhanced Shields, tailored for close combat.Heartstone Amulets, to boost morale and provide light healing.

Fred and George presented the group with enchanted communicators, allowing them to stay in contact with Harry's team.

"You won't be alone in there," George said reassuringly. "We'll be watching your progress from outside."

The Day of the Test

The following morning, the volunteers stood at the edge of the Frozen Path, the entryway to the Black Tower looming in the distance.

Harry addressed them one last time. "Remember, you're not here to fight your way through the entire tower. Your mission is to explore the first section, collect what you can, and come back safely. If anything feels off, don't push forward. Your safety comes first."

The volunteers nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and nerves.

Entering the Tower

The group stepped into the Black Tower, their enchanted gear shimmering faintly in the dim light. Harry and his core team watched from the observation room in Nigrum Anima, using a combination of the Capturing Mirror and magical communicators to track the volunteers' progress.

Inside the tower, the volunteers moved cautiously, their steps echoing against the dark stone walls.

"It's colder than I expected," one of them said, their breath visible in the air.

The first section of the dungeon appeared quiet, with only faint shadows flitting along the edges of their vision. The team collected samples of crystals and potions from abandoned alcoves, their enchanted gear allowing them to identify safe items to take.

Suddenly, a small group of shadow goblins emerged, their movements erratic and aggressive.

The First Fight

The volunteers reacted quickly, their training kicking in:

The former soldier used his Frostveil shield to block an incoming attack, allowing the others to strike.The young engineer hurled an enchanted orb, which exploded into a burst of light, scattering the goblins.The young woman struck with precision, her Venomstone dagger slicing through the creatures with ease.

Within minutes, the goblins dissolved into mist, leaving the group shaken but unharmed.

"They did it," Neville said, his voice filled with awe as he watched from the observation room.

"They're adapting," Luna added with a small smile. "The tower is testing them, but they're passing."

Returning to the Dome

After gathering additional samples and mapping the first section, the volunteers followed their enchanted path back to the entrance. When they emerged from the tower, Harry and his team were there to greet them.

"You did it," Harry said, his smile genuine. "You're the first Muggles to successfully explore a dungeon."

The young woman grinned, wiping sweat from her brow. "And it won't be the last."

The experiment had been a success, proving that Muggles could not only survive but thrive in the dungeons.

For Harry, it was a turning point—a glimpse of what the future might hold if Muggles and magical communities worked together. But as he looked toward the Black Tower, he knew the true challenges were only just beginning.