Cedric Diggory faced his second dragon.
It was a Chinese Fireball. Its scarlet scales glittered in the sunlight, and the golden fringe of spikes around its snub nose trembled with every breath. Its bulging eyes were fixed on Cedric.
Cedric had just stolen a golden egg from the dragon using the Sheep Tactic again. But this Chinese Fireball was clearly less greedy than the Short-Snout. When Cedric tried to flee, it recovered and blocked his path.
The Chinese Fireball roared in fury, blasting mushroom-shaped fireballs from its nostrils.
Cedric dodged desperately. It took him a long time to shake off the dragon, and he clambered over a massive tree root, panting, hoping to rest.
That was when—
Three figures burst out of the trees.
"Stupefy!" "Expelliarmus!" "Petrificus Totalus!"
Three spells shot toward Cedric at once.
Exhausted, Cedric was completely unprepared.
The first Stunning Spell struck him in the back. He pitched forward, and his two golden eggs hit a tree trunk before rolling to the ground.
Krum rushed over and snatched up both eggs.
"Go!" he shouted.
The three of them charged into the trees without looking back, leaving Cedric sprawled on the ground, unconscious.
The three had been following the column of smoke when they came across Cedric. Seeing the Chinese Fireball chase him, they had naturally decided to take advantage and hidden nearby to wait for their chance.
"Merlin's beggar's trousers!" Bagman's voice nearly tore through the loudspeaker. "Durmstrang's three champions have attacked Cedric Diggory together! They've stolen the two golden eggs he was carrying! Cedric is unconscious! Aurors are on their way to rescue him! Durmstrang now has three golden eggs and is pulling ahead!"
Everyone in the Hufflepuff stands rose to their feet. Angry curses rang out from every direction, and Mr. Diggory was especially agitated.