Harry Potter and the Deep Freeze

A Moment of Rest

The sanctuary hummed with the steady rhythm of progress, its residents bustling about their daily routines. The DEI expeditions were running smoothly, reports were coming in from across the sanctuaries, and for once, Harry didn't feel the crushing weight of an impending disaster.

Still, his core team had noticed the strain he carried. It was Neville who finally cornered him in the strategy room.

"Harry," Neville said, his tone firm but kind, "you've been running yourself into the ground since this all started. You've done more than enough to get us where we are. Take a break."

Harry opened his mouth to argue, but Neville raised a hand.

"I'm not asking," Neville continued. "Luna, Percy, and I can handle things for a few days. Go rest. You've earned it."

A Day for Himself

Reluctantly, Harry agreed. The next morning, he woke up with no meetings, no reports, and no pressing emergencies to handle. It felt strange, almost unnatural, but he decided to make the most of it.

He started his day with a long walk around the sanctuary. The air was crisp, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the fields and forests. Harry passed through the subdivisions, smiling as he saw children playing in the parks and families tending to their gardens.

Stopping by one of the new cafés in the second town, Harry ordered a coffee and sat at an outdoor table. The chatter of the townspeople surrounded him, their laughter and conversations filling the air.

For the first time in what felt like years, Harry allowed himself to simply sit and enjoy the moment.

A Visit to Hogsmeade

After finishing his coffee, Harry decided to visit Hogsmeade. The village was bustling, its streets lined with shops and stalls offering everything from enchanted trinkets to fresh pastries.

As he wandered through the marketplace, Harry was approached by Fred and George, who had just opened a second branch of their joke shop in the new town.

"Look who finally decided to join the living!" Fred teased, clapping Harry on the back.

"Thought we'd have to drag you out of that office of yours," George added, grinning.

Harry chuckled. "I'm taking a break, as ordered."

Fred raised an eyebrow. "Ordered, huh? Sounds like Neville's been channeling his inner professor."

"Or his inner Mum," George quipped.

They shared a laugh, and Fred handed Harry a small box. "Take this. It's one of our new relaxation kits. Guaranteed to make even the most stressed-out sanctuary leader crack a smile."

Harry accepted the box with a smile, promising to try it later.

A Quiet Evening

As the sun began to set, Harry made his way to the Black Lake. The water shimmered under the fading light, and the familiar tranquility of the place brought back memories of his time at Hogwarts.

He found a secluded spot by the shore and sat down, letting the gentle sounds of the lake wash over him.

For a while, Harry allowed his mind to wander. He thought of his parents, of Sirius and Remus, of all the people who had shaped his life. He thought of the challenges they'd faced and the sacrifices they'd made.

But most of all, he thought of the sanctuary—of the people he was protecting and the future they were building together.

A Renewed Resolve

By the time Harry returned to his quarters that evening, he felt lighter, the weight on his shoulders eased, if only slightly.

Neville was waiting for him at the entrance to the strategy room, a knowing smile on his face.

"How was it?" Neville asked.

"Exactly what I needed," Harry admitted.

Neville patted him on the shoulder. "Good. Because we'll need you rested for whatever comes next."

Harry smiled. "Thanks, Neville. For everything."

As he stepped into his quarters, Harry felt a renewed sense of resolve. The challenges ahead would be daunting, but for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to face them.

Sometimes, even the Boy Who Lived needed to take a moment to simply live.