Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Harvest and Secrets

The next morning, Harry gathered with his team in the Great Hall as they waited for the return of the two expedition groups. The first to arrive was the team from the food dungeon, their arrival announced by the faint hum of the enchanted rope they carried as a tether.

The group emerged from the bubble tired but triumphant, their containers glowing faintly with magical preservation spells.

The Food Team's Report

"Welcome back," Harry greeted them, stepping forward. "How did it go?"

The team leader, a tall woman named Freya, nodded. "Better than expected. The dungeon was filled with enchanted food—fruits, meats, even drinks. We managed to bring back enough samples to test for safety, but there were complications."

"Complications?" Neville asked, his brow furrowing.

Freya gestured to one of the researchers, who opened a container to reveal a large, glowing fruit that shimmered with iridescent colors. "The food is heavily guarded by enchanted beasts. We fought off several, but the deeper we went, the stronger they became. It's clear the dungeon doesn't want anyone taking too much."

Luna stepped forward, peering at the fruit. "It's beautiful. Almost alive, isn't it? Did anyone try eating anything?"

Freya hesitated. "We had one volunteer taste a piece of fruit. It enhanced their stamina and magic for several hours, but we don't know if there are long-term effects."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "We'll need to test everything thoroughly before using it. Good work. Take the samples to Nigrum Anima for analysis."

As the team left, Luna lingered by the glowing fruit, her dreamy gaze full of wonder. "I think the dungeon is testing us, too. Seeing if we're worthy of its gifts."

The Artifact Team Returns

By late afternoon, the second team returned from the artifact dungeon, their faces grim but determined. They carried several enchanted objects in containment cases, their magical auras pulsing faintly.

Draco stepped forward, his eyes narrowing. "Let's see what you've brought back."

The team leader, Marcus, set down a case and opened it to reveal an orb etched with ancient runes. "This was at the center of the dungeon," he explained. "It's heavily warded, but we managed to extract it without triggering any traps."

Harry leaned in to examine the orb, his hand hovering over its surface. "It's ancient magic," he murmured. "This could help us understand the dungeons—maybe even why they're appearing."

Marcus continued, "We also recovered weapons, amulets, and scrolls. Some of the artifacts feel... connected. Like they're pieces of a larger puzzle."

"Any injuries?" Percy asked, glancing over the group.

"A few," Marcus admitted. "The traps were vicious, and the creatures guarding the artifacts weren't easy to handle. But we managed."

"Good," Harry said. "Take the artifacts to Nigrum Anima for analysis. And get yourselves checked out at the hospital. You've earned it."

Analyzing the Discoveries

Later that evening, Harry and his core team gathered in Nigrum Anima to review the findings from both dungeons. The room was filled with glowing containers, enchanted objects, and stacks of parchment covered in notes.

Neville was examining the food samples, carefully slicing a glowing fruit while wearing protective gloves. "The magic in these is extraordinary," he said. "If they're safe to eat, they could revolutionize how we feed the sanctuary."

Luna was studying a scroll from the artifact dungeon, her expression serene but focused. "The writing is in a lost language," she said. "But it feels familiar, as though it's meant to be understood in time."

Draco was inspecting an enchanted dagger, its blade gleaming faintly. "The craftsmanship is flawless," he said. "This isn't just a weapon—it's a masterpiece of magical engineering."

Harry stood at the center of the room, his gaze shifting between the discoveries. "Both dungeons are valuable in their own ways," he said. "The food dungeon could sustain us, while the artifact dungeon might hold the answers we've been searching for."

A Growing Mystery

As the team worked late into the night, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that the dungeons were connected. The treasures they held, the challenges they presented—it all seemed deliberate, as though the dungeons were testing them for a purpose yet to be revealed.

When the others finally retired for the night, Harry stayed behind, staring at the ancient orb from the artifact dungeon. Its surface pulsed faintly, almost as if it were alive.

"What are you trying to tell us?" Harry murmured, his voice barely audible.

The orb remained silent, but its glow seemed to deepen, as though it were waiting—for what, Harry couldn't yet say.