Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Planning Expeditions

The reports of the two new dungeons in the UK—one centered around magical shells along the southern coast and the other filled with relics in Wales—had created a buzz across the sanctuary. Harry had called his core team together in the strategy room to discuss their next steps.

The room was lit by floating orbs of soft golden light, and a large map of the UK was spread across the central table. Small glowing markers indicated the known locations of dungeons.

The Shell Dungeon

"The southern coast dungeon," Harry began, pointing to the glowing marker near the shoreline. "We know it's filled with magical shells and oceanic resources. If the shells enhance water magic and healing, they could be vital for potion-making and magical tools. But it's risky—there are aquatic creatures, and who knows how deep the dungeon goes."

Neville leaned over the map, his brow furrowed. "We'll need a specialized team. Potion-makers, aquatic magic specialists, and maybe a few combat-trained individuals to handle the creatures."

Luna smiled dreamily. "I'll go with them. I've always wanted to meet an enchanted crab."

Draco smirked. "You're probably the only one who would say that. But she's right. Luna's knowledge of magical creatures could be invaluable. I'll help coordinate the team."

The Artifact Dungeon

Harry shifted his attention to the marker in Wales. "The artifact dungeon is more straightforward but just as dangerous. We've already seen how heavily trapped it is. The relics we've recovered so far hint at ancient magic, and the glowing orb suggests there's more to uncover.

Draco crossed his arms. "We'll need curse-breakers and relic experts. I suggest a smaller team this time—fewer people mean fewer chances of triggering traps."

Snape, seated in a shadowy corner of the room, cleared his throat. "You'll also need someone capable of identifying magical signatures. Ancient relics often carry curses that aren't immediately detectable."

Harry nodded. "Agreed. Snape, you'll lead that team. Percy, make sure they're equipped with all the tools they'll need."

The Bigger Picture

As the team worked out the logistics for both expeditions, Luna spoke up, her tone thoughtful. "Is it just me, or does it feel like the dungeons are starting to mirror the needs of the sanctuaries? Food, crystals, shells, relics... it's as if they're providing exactly what we're looking for."

"It's a dangerous coincidence," Draco countered. "The dungeons may offer resources, but they're not gifts. They're challenges, and the risks outweigh the rewards if we're not careful."

Harry leaned back in his chair, considering their words. "We don't know the purpose of the dungeons, but that doesn't mean we can ignore them. Whatever their origin, we have to approach them as opportunities—and threats."

Neville tapped the map thoughtfully. "Do we have any idea how many dungeons are out there? Or if they'll ever stop appearing?"

"No," Harry admitted. "And that's what worries me. The more dungeons appear, the more we're spread thin. We'll need to start recruiting more people to train for expeditions."

Dividing the Teams

By the end of the meeting, the teams for both dungeons had been finalized:

The Shell Dungeon Team: Luna would join a group of aquatic magic researchers, potion-makers, and a handful of combat-trained individuals to explore the coastal dungeon and bring back as many shells and oceanic resources as possible.
The Artifact Dungeon Team: Snape would lead a small, specialized group of curse-breakers, relic scholars, and fighters to delve deeper into the dungeon and recover more artifacts.

"I'll stay here and monitor both expeditions," Harry said. "If anything goes wrong, I want to be ready to send reinforcements."

Final Preparations

As the meeting concluded, Harry lingered by the map, his fingers tracing the glowing markers. Each dungeon represented an opportunity—but also a risk.

Draco approached, his voice low. "You're thinking about the bigger picture, aren't you?"

Harry nodded. "The dungeons keep appearing, and they're not just in the UK. If we don't figure out why they're here or how to deal with them, this could spiral out of control."

Draco smirked faintly. "Well, Potter, you always did like impossible challenges. Let's hope this one doesn't get the better of you."

Harry chuckled despite himself. "Let's hope."

As the teams prepared to leave for their missions, Harry watched them go with a mix of pride and unease. The dungeons were unpredictable, chaotic, and dangerous. But they were also opportunities to grow stronger—and to uncover the mysteries of a world transformed by the Freeze.