Absolute darkness brought absolute fear.
As the seconds ticked by, the three of them stood frozen in place, not even daring to move. Though they had already checked and found solid ground beneath their feet, the illusion of falling into a bottomless abyss continued to torment them.
Hermione still held the School Emblem and map Professor Breen had given her, while Ron carried a ridiculous backpack filled with food brought from the Great Hall.
"We have to do something."
Harry suddenly said through gritted teeth.
"We can't stay here forever."
"But we can't find the way."
Ron panted heavily, his voice despairing.
"Maybe we missed some clue."
At a time like this, Hermione knew how crucial it was to stay calm and rational. She tried not to look at the darkness around them, focusing entirely on Harry and Ron.
"What did Professor Breen say? He said that after passing through the stone door, we'd be transported to different areas of the Forbidden Forest. Right, but now we—"
"We should keep going."
Harry was still gritting his teeth. Knowing what Ron was about to say, he spoke first.
"Maybe there isn't any correct path at all. The important thing is to keep moving."
Harry's words startled both Hermione and Ron. Hermione's fear-clouded brown eyes widened.
"How did you come to that conclusion, Harry?"
"I can't really explain it. Maybe it's—"
Harry knew this might sound ridiculous, but given their current predicament, they truly did not seem to have a better option.
"Instinct."
Harry said, then immediately added,
"We can't give up here, can we? If we're defeated by some danger during the competition, then fine. But we haven't even officially entered the arena yet. If we fall here, Gryffindor and Hogwarts will become a laughingstock!"
After a moment of silence, Ron