Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

Discoveries and Dangers

The sanctuary buzzed with quiet anticipation as the teams for the Northern and Southern Ireland dungeons set out on their expeditions. Harry stood in the strategy room, reviewing updates sent through enchanted mirrors as he waited for their reports.

By the evening, word arrived that both teams had entered their respective dungeons safely. However, what awaited them inside was far from ordinary.

Northern Ireland Dungeon – The Hall of Tiles

The Northern Ireland team, led by one of Percy's trusted logistics officers, entered the dungeon and found themselves in a vast hall lined with intricate patterns of porcelain, marble, and ceramic tiles.

The walls gleamed with polished stone, the patterns shifting subtly as the light of their wands moved across the surface.

"It's like a mosaic come to life," said Clara, an artisan who specialized in enchanted materials. She knelt to inspect the floor tiles. "These are layered with preservation charms. They'll never chip or fade."

Thomas, the team leader, nodded. "Catalog everything. We'll take samples from each type we find."

As the team spread out, they quickly discovered that the dungeon wasn't just a treasure trove of materials—it was also full of traps.

"Don't step there!" one of the fighters yelled as a glowing sigil appeared on the floor. The sigil erupted into a burst of fire, narrowly missing one of the researchers.

"These aren't just random tiles," Clara said, her voice trembling. "Some of them are warded. The wrong step could trigger a trap."

The team moved cautiously, using detection spells to navigate the hall. They managed to extract several pristine samples of porcelain and marble before retreating to safety.

Southern Ireland Dungeon – The Grove of Wood

Meanwhile, the Southern Ireland team entered a dungeon that resembled an ancient forest more than a traditional underground cavern. Massive trees with glowing bark towered overhead, their branches entwined to form a natural ceiling.

The air was thick with the scent of cedar and mahogany, and the ground was covered in soft moss that seemed to hum faintly with magic.

"This place is incredible," said Neville, who had joined the team as an advisor. He ran his hand along the trunk of an ebony tree. "The wood is infused with magic. It's practically indestructible."

The team quickly began cataloging the types of wood present: cedar, ebony, mahogany, bamboo, and more. However, they soon realized they weren't alone.

Deep in the grove, shadowy figures began to move among the trees. At first, they seemed like whispers of wind, but as the team ventured further, the figures grew more defined—humanoid shapes made entirely of bark and leaves.

"They're guardians," Neville whispered. "Protecting the grove."

One of the fighters stepped forward, her wand at the ready. "Do we engage?"

"No," Neville said firmly. "We're here to gather resources, not to destroy. Let's see if we can avoid them."

The team carefully harvested small samples of wood, taking care not to damage the trees. The guardians watched them but did not attack, their glowing eyes following every movement.

The Teams Return

Both teams returned to the sanctuary late that night, weary but successful.

The Northern Ireland team brought back samples of marble, porcelain, and ceramic tiles, each piece radiating enchantments that promised to revolutionize construction.

The Southern Ireland team arrived with carefully preserved samples of the rare woods, each one a masterpiece of natural magic. Neville described the grove and its guardians with quiet reverence, his excitement tempered by the knowledge of how dangerous the dungeon could become if provoked.

A Growing Resource Pool

The samples were sent to Nigrum Anima, where researchers immediately began testing their properties. The tiles from Northern Ireland proved to be not only durable but also capable of conducting magical energy, making them ideal for enchanting homes and structures.

The woods from Southern Ireland, meanwhile, showed incredible resistance to decay and an ability to amplify protective wards when used in construction.

"These materials could change everything," Percy said during the debrief. "With enough of these resources, we could expand the sanctuary faster than we ever thought possible."

Harry nodded but remained cautious. "We'll continue exploring, but carefully. The dungeons may offer valuable resources, but they're not without risks. We can't afford to lose anyone."

A Subtle Warning

Later that night, Harry reviewed the reports in his office, his gaze lingering on the descriptions of the traps in Northern Ireland and the guardians in Southern Ireland.

The dungeons were providing resources, but they were also becoming more complex—and more dangerous.

As Harry stared at the glowing map of the UK, he couldn't shake the feeling that the dungeons weren't random. They had a purpose, even if it wasn't clear yet.

For now, all he could do was prepare for the next discovery—and the challenges that would inevitably follow.