Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Adjusting to the Sanctuary

The days following Snape's official integration into the sanctuary passed with surprising ease. Though he maintained his usual stern demeanor, he had begun exploring the sanctuary on his own, observing the people and their routines with a critical but curious eye.

Harry, meanwhile, kept an unobtrusive distance, allowing Snape the space to settle in. He had already seen hints of how Snape might contribute to the sanctuary—his ranking and class alone made that clear—but Harry knew better than to push him too quickly.

A Visit to the Nigrum Anima

On a cool, cloudy morning, Snape found himself standing before the Nigrum Anima, the sleek black research facility attached to the lookout tower. Its architecture intrigued him—stark and imposing, yet elegant in its simplicity.

The doors opened with a faint hum as Snape stepped inside, his sharp gaze taking in the rows of workstations, magical containment wards, and shelves filled with samples from the dungeons. Researchers bustled about, their chatter a mix of magical jargon and practical observations.

"Professor Snape," Luna Lovegood greeted him, her voice light as ever. She wore a white coat over her usual eclectic attire, her wand tucked behind her ear. "Welcome to the Nigrum Anima. Are you here to critique, or contribute?"

"Both, if necessary," Snape replied curtly, though his tone lacked its usual sting.

Luna smiled. "Wonderful. We could use your expertise. Follow me—I'll show you what we've been working on."

Insights and Discoveries

Luna led Snape to a workstation where a cluster of glowing crystals sat under a containment ward.

"These are Frostveil Shards," she explained. "We've been testing their potential for cold-based magical barriers. Neville thinks they might also enhance certain plant growth in winter climates, but we haven't confirmed it yet."

Snape leaned closer, examining the crystals with a practiced eye. "Have you considered combining them with powdered moonstone? It might stabilize the energy discharge."

Luna's eyes lit up. "That's brilliant! I'll tell Neville to try that right away."

Further down the room, Snape stopped at a station where a young researcher was struggling with a bubbling cauldron. The potion within was an odd shade of orange, and the air around it smelled faintly of burnt sugar.

"Step aside," Snape said, his voice commanding but not unkind. The researcher, wide-eyed, quickly moved back as Snape adjusted the cauldron's heat with a flick of his wand. "Your temperature control is abysmal. Any fool knows this brew requires constant heat, not fluctuating bursts."

Within moments, the potion stabilized, its color shifting to a brilliant emerald green.

The researcher stammered out a thank you, but Snape merely waved him off. "Do not thank me. Learn from your mistakes."

An Unexpected Encounter

As Snape moved toward the experimental wing, he came across Neville Longbottom examining a tray of glowing moss samples.

"Longbottom," Snape greeted, his tone neutral.

Neville looked up, clearly surprised. "Professor Snape. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Your expectations are irrelevant," Snape replied smoothly. "What are you doing with these?"

Neville hesitated before answering. "They're from one of the Scottish dungeons. We think the moss has potential as a healing agent, but it's... temperamental."

Snape picked up a sample, holding it to the light. "The temperamental nature is likely due to its volatile magical core. You'll need to infuse it with a stabilizing agent before it can be used effectively."

Neville blinked. "A stabilizing agent? Like what?"

Snape sighed, as though the answer were obvious. "Powdered basilisk scales, if you have them. If not, phoenix feather ash should suffice."

Neville nodded slowly, scribbling down notes. "Thank you, Professor."

Snape's lips twitched faintly, though he didn't reply.

A New Role

By the end of the day, it was clear to everyone in the Nigrum Anima that Snape's presence was both intimidating and invaluable. His knowledge, precision, and no-nonsense approach quickly earned him respect, even among those who had feared his reputation.

When Harry stopped by the research facility later that evening, he found Snape reviewing a stack of reports near the containment wards.

"Looks like you're settling in," Harry said, leaning against the doorframe.

Snape didn't look up. "If by 'settling in' you mean cleaning up the messes left by your researchers, then yes, I am."

Harry smirked. "I'll take that as a good sign. The Nigrum Anima could use someone like you."

"Spare me the flattery, Potter," Snape replied, though there was a faint glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "If I'm to work here, I expect full autonomy. No interference from you or anyone else."

Harry nodded. "Agreed. Just let me know if you need anything."

Snape glanced up, his expression softening ever so slightly. "What I need, Potter, is competence. Let's see if your sanctuary can provide it."

A New Beginning

As Snape returned to his quarters that night, he couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The sanctuary was unlike anything he had ever experienced—chaotic, yes, but brimming with potential.

For the first time in years, he felt a sense of purpose. Not as a survivor, but as a contributor.

And though he would never admit it aloud, Snape found himself cautiously optimistic about what the sanctuary—and its people—might achieve.