Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

A Tour of the Sanctuary

The following morning, Harry arrived at Snape's temporary quarters to take him on a tour of the sanctuary. He knocked firmly on the door, and after a brief pause, it opened to reveal Snape, already dressed in his usual black robes, his sharp gaze fixed on Harry.

"This had better be worth my time, Potter," Snape said without preamble.

Harry smiled faintly. "You'll want to see this, Professor. Trust me."

Snape raised an eyebrow but said nothing, stepping into the hallway.

The Entry Bubble

Their first stop was the Entry Bubble, the magical barrier that marked the sanctuary's edge. The shimmering dome pulsated faintly, its translucent glow barely visible in the morning light.

"This is where everyone enters," Harry explained. "It's enchanted to keep out harmful magic, regulate conditions, and ensure no one with ill intentions gets through."

Snape studied the barrier with a critical eye. "A self-regulating ward of this scale is... impressive. The goblin ritual must have been far more intricate than I suspected."

Harry nodded. "It's grown beyond what the ritual originally intended. The dome expands and adapts on its own now. It's like it has a mind of its own."

"Dangerous," Snape muttered. "Sentient magic often is."

The Winter Path

As they moved deeper into the sanctuary, Harry led Snape to the Winter Path, a secluded area surrounded by a sturdy fence and marked by a heavy iron gate. Beyond the gate, snow blanketed the ground, and frost-covered trees sparkled under the pale sunlight.

"This is the Winter Path," Harry said. "It's part of the sanctuary, but it's always winter here. Snow all year round, though it's not as cold as the freeze was."

Snape stepped closer to the gate, his sharp eyes scanning the area. "Why was this section spared from the dome's temperate adjustments?"

"We don't know," Harry admitted. "It formed on its own when the dome expanded. It's isolated—the cold doesn't spread beyond the gate."

Snape's hand brushed the iron, and he frowned. "The magic here feels... ancient. Strong. You'd be wise to monitor this area closely, Potter. Such anomalies rarely form without purpose."

Harry nodded, filing Snape's observation away for later consideration.

The Farms and Food Production

Next, Harry led Snape to the farmlands, where rows of crops thrived under magical sunlight. Workers moved between the rows, tending to the plants while enchanted tools hovered nearby.

"We're self-sufficient here," Harry said. "We've got enchanted silos for storage, lakes for fishing, and even a vineyard and orchards."

Snape regarded the fields with a calculating look. "Longbottom's influence, I presume?"

"He's in charge of the agricultural efforts," Harry confirmed. "And he's doing a great job."

Snape hummed in approval. "At least the boy has found his niche."

Hogsmeade and Subdivisions

They moved through Hogsmeade, where shops, cafés, and pubs bustled with activity. The streets were alive with chatter, and the scent of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery.

"The heart of the community," Harry explained. "It's where people come to unwind, shop, or just... live."

Snape raised an eyebrow as they passed the subdivisions, where townhouses and single-family homes stretched into the distance. "I see you've been playing architect, Potter."

"The dome does most of the work," Harry said with a shrug. "We just figure out where everything should go."

Key Buildings

Harry pointed out the hospital, the Nigrum Anima research building, and the lookout tower as they moved through the sanctuary.

Snape lingered near the Nigrum Anima, peering at the black structure with interest. "A facility for magical experimentation?"

"Exactly," Harry said. "It's where we study the dungeons, the crystals, and anything else the dome throws at us."

Snape's lips twitched. "Perhaps there is hope for your generation after all."

Hogwarts and the Crystals

The tour ended at Hogwarts, where Harry led Snape to the Great Hall. The three crystals—Core, Ranking, and Class—sat on their raised platform, glowing faintly with magical energy.

"This is where everyone learns their potential," Harry explained. "Your Core Crystal shows your core color, the Ranking Crystal gives your magical rank, and the Class Crystal tells you your role."

Snape folded his arms. "And now you want me to participate in this... spectacle?"

"It's part of being part of the sanctuary," Harry said simply. "And I think you'll be interested in the results."

Snape sighed, stepping forward to the Core Crystal first. He placed his hand on its smooth surface, and it glowed a deep black with green and silver stripes swirling through it.

"Black with green and silver," Harry said, jotting it down in the journal. "Unique. It fits you."

Snape moved to the Ranking Crystal, and the number 95 appeared, glowing bright.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Impressive. You're among the top ranks."

Snape didn't reply, moving to the Class Crystal. It pulsed faintly before revealing his class: Arcane Potioner.

"Arcane Potioner," Harry read aloud. "Leadership qualities, spell crafting, and advanced potion mastery. Perfectly fitting."

Snape stepped back, his expression unreadable. "I assume you've prepared an appropriate role for me in this sanctuary of yours?"

Harry grinned. "One step at a time, Professor. Let's get you settled first."

Snape's lips twitched faintly, and though he didn't say it aloud, Harry could tell he was intrigued.

As they left the Great Hall, Harry felt a sense of satisfaction. Snape was beginning to see the sanctuary for what it truly was—not just a refuge, but a community.

And for the first time, Snape seemed willing to be a part of it.