Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Truths Unveiled

Five weeks had passed since Harry had last seen Snape. The man had used the time to recover his strength, though his sharp tongue and skeptical gaze suggested his mind was as quick as ever. This time, Harry wasn't visiting Snape's quarters or the hospital. Instead, he had arranged for them to meet in one of Hogwarts' cozy sitting rooms.

The room was warmly lit by floating candles, with a crackling fire in the hearth casting flickering shadows across the walls. Two armchairs faced each other, separated by a low table holding a pot of tea and a plate of biscuits.

Snape arrived, his dark robes sweeping the floor as he entered. "Potter," he said, his tone neutral. "You've been unusually persistent. What is this about?"

Harry gestured to the empty armchair. "Have a seat. There's a lot you need to know, and it's better explained somewhere comfortable."

Snape arched an eyebrow but sat, his movements fluid despite the faint stiffness that lingered from his ordeal. "I trust this will be worth my time," he said dryly.

Harry poured tea into both cups before settling into his chair. "I think you'll find it illuminating."

The Story of the Freeze

Harry started slowly, recounting how the previous year had been colder than usual. "It wasn't just a bad winter," he said, his voice steady. "Something about it felt... wrong. Like the world itself was preparing for something. My gut told me something bad was coming, and I couldn't ignore it."

Snape listened silently, his sharp eyes fixed on Harry.

"I started looking into old texts, asking questions," Harry continued. "But the Ministry didn't think anything was wrong. They said I was overreacting."

Snape's lips curled faintly. "The Ministry has always been adept at willful ignorance."

Harry nodded. "That's when I went to the goblins. I figured if anyone had records about ancient magic, it would be them. It took weeks, but eventually, they found something: an ancient spell, or ritual, called Gelida Ultra."

He paused, letting the name sink in.

"It was designed to create a magical dome over a property of your choosing, protecting it from external conditions—whether natural or magical." Harry leaned forward. "So, I had to make a choice. I chose Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, the Black Lake, and a few extra acres for expansion."

Snape's Reaction

Snape's expression remained inscrutable, though his fingers tightened slightly around his teacup. "You enacted a ritual of that magnitude without fully understanding its consequences? Foolish even for you, Potter."

"It wasn't a decision I made lightly," Harry said evenly. "I studied it for weeks with the goblins. We made sure every step was done perfectly. And when the freeze came, the dome worked. It protected everyone inside."

"And the world outside?" Snape asked sharply.

Harry's face darkened. "It froze. Everything froze. Entire countries were buried under ice and snow. Millions died, both magical and Muggle."

For the first time, Snape's composure faltered. His gaze flicked to the fire, the flames reflected in his dark eyes. "And yet you survived," he said softly. "This sanctuary, this... dome, was your solution."

Harry nodded. "It's more than a solution. It's become a refuge, a community. But it hasn't been easy. Every day, people arrive at the gate, desperate for safety. We've had to expand, adapt, and figure out how to survive in a world that's fundamentally changed."

Every Detail Unveiled

For the next hour, Harry laid everything out, leaving no detail unexplained.

He spoke of how the dome had expanded on its own, creating farmland, housing, and even research facilities. He described the dungeons that had appeared, filled with strange creatures and powerful resources. He explained the three crystals—Core, Ranking, and Class—that had helped people discover their potential and contribute to the sanctuary.

Snape sat motionless, absorbing every word.

Finally, Harry reached the end of his story. "And that's how we found you," he said. "You stumbled through the gate from the Arabian Oasis—or as you call it, 'Scorching Hell.' You were barely alive. If you hadn't made it here when you did..."

Snape raised a hand, cutting him off. "Spare me the melodrama, Potter. I understand the gravity of the situation."

A Moment of Reflection

For a long moment, neither man spoke. The fire crackled softly, filling the silence.

Snape set down his teacup, his dark eyes meeting Harry's. "You've done what I never thought possible," he said quietly. "You've built something enduring. Something necessary."

Harry blinked, surprised by the admission.

"But," Snape continued, his tone hardening, "don't let this sanctuary blind you to the reality outside. The freeze may have stopped for now, but the world remains dangerous. Complacency will destroy everything you've built faster than any ice storm."

Harry nodded. "I know. That's why I need people like you—people who see the threats before they strike."

Snape tilted his head, studying Harry for a long moment. "Very well. I will... consider how best to assist. For now, I require solitude to process what you've told me."

Temporary Quarters

As the night wore on, Harry led Snape to one of the apartments within Hogwarts. The room was modest but comfortable, with a bed, a small desk, and a window overlooking the grounds.

"This will be your space for now," Harry said. "You can stay here as long as you need. If you want something more permanent, there are other options in the sanctuary."

Snape stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the room. "It will suffice."

Harry hesitated in the doorway. "If you need anything—"

"I'll find you," Snape interrupted, already turning toward the desk.

Taking the hint, Harry nodded and left, closing the door behind him.

As Snape sat down, his gaze lingered on the view outside the window. The sanctuary stretched out before him, its lights glowing softly in the darkness.

For the first time in years, Severus Snape felt a flicker of something he hadn't allowed himself to feel in decades: a sense of belonging.