The Price of Defiance

"Hermione," he croaked, his voice strained. "Voldemort…he's…back. He—"

"Shh, it's okay, I know, we have to move," Hermione whispered urgently, glancing around nervously. Any second now, the Death Eaters could appear. They were deep in enemy territory, and she didn't know how many were roaming the maze. "Can you stand?"

Harry nodded weakly and struggled to his feet, wincing in pain. Hermione slid her arm around his waist, supporting his weight. His wand was gone—probably lost in the chaos—and he looked utterly drained. She bit back a sob, swallowing the panic that threatened to overwhelm her.

"We'll get out," she promised, even as dread coiled tighter around her. She knew they were walking into the heart of darkness, but they had no choice. They had to keep moving.

They stumbled through the maze, Hermione's senses on high alert for any sign of movement. She kept whispering encouragement to Harry, though she wasn't sure if she was trying to reassure him or herself. The maze felt endless, each turn and bend merging into a twisted nightmare of confusion. Every now and then, she would glance up and catch glimpses of green light flashing in the sky—the Dark Mark casting its sickly glow over everything.

"Where's…Cedric?" Harry asked suddenly, his voice breaking. "He was right there, and then…then…."

Hermione's throat tightened. How could she tell him? How could she explain what she'd seen—the mutilated body, the horrific scene on the field? She squeezed his hand, feeling the rough calluses on his palm, and kept her gaze forward.

"Not now, Harry," she murmured softly. "We have to get out first."

But Harry's face contorted in anguish, his legs almost buckling under him. "I—I saw Voldemort, Hermione. I saw him come back. And then Cedric…he…he killed him."

Hermione's grip on him tightened. She wanted to say something—anything—to comfort him, but words seemed useless. All she could do was press on, dragging him through the maze that twisted and writhed around them like a living beast.

A sudden rustling sound made her freeze. She held up her wand, eyes darting frantically. Harry straightened, his face pale with fear.

"Did you hear that?" he whispered.

Hermione nodded, her heart pounding wildly. The sound came again—a low, slithering noise, like something sliding through the dirt. She turned slowly, raising her wand higher.

Then a figure stepped out from the shadows.

"Hermione Granger," drawled a voice, smooth and taunting.

She sucked in a breath. Bellatrix Lestrange stood before them, her lips twisted into a wicked grin. Her black curls framed her gaunt face, and her eyes gleamed with sadistic glee.

"What a delightful surprise," Bellatrix purred, tilting her head mockingly. "Two little lost sheep, all alone in the big, bad maze. And here I thought I'd only get to kill Potter tonight."

Hermione's blood ran cold. She stepped in front of Harry instinctively, her wand pointed directly at Bellatrix. "Stay back."

Bellatrix laughed, a shrill, unhinged sound. "Oh, how brave," she cooed. "But I think you'll find that bravery won't get you far when you're up against me, little Mudblood."

Before Hermione could react, Bellatrix flicked her wand, and a jet of purple light shot toward them. Hermione barely managed to deflect it, the force of the spell knocking her back a step. Harry stumbled, clutching her arm.

"Run!" she hissed, shoving him back. "Go, Harry—run!"

But Bellatrix was faster. She sent another spell flying, this time aimed straight at Harry. He tried to dodge, but he was too slow. The spell hit him square in the chest, and he crumpled to the ground with a strangled cry.

"NO!" Hermione screamed, throwing herself in front of him, and raised. Her hands were shaking, but she held firm. She wouldn't let Bellatrix take him. She wouldn't.

Bellatrix's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with manic delight. "How sweet. Defending your precious hero, are you?" She took a step forward, her wand crackling with dark magic. "Let's see how long you last, Granger."

But before she could strike, a flash of green light illuminated the maze. Bellatrix froze, her expression shifting from glee to fury. She turned sharply, starting over Hermione's shoulder.

"What are you doing here?" she snarled.

Hermione glanced back, and her heart skipped a beat.

Theo stood at the edge of the clearing, His wand was pointed directly at Bellatrix.

"Leave them alone," he said, his voice shaking but resolute.

For a moment, the two of them stared at each other, tension crackling in the air.

"Move aside, Nott," Bellatrix hissed, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Don't make me hurt you."

But Theo didn't budge. He stepped forward, placing himself between her and Hermione.

"Leave them alone," he repeated quietly.

Bellatrix's face twisted with rage. "You traitor!" she screamed. "You dare—"

But Hermione didn't get to see what happened next. Her and Harry were yanked forward and disappeared away.