At the maze entrance, Cedric emerged from the maze lying on a stretcher that floated in midair.
"Albus," Professor McGonagall said, her voice mingling gravity with worry, "this is bad!"
The professors and judges quickly gathered around him. Meanwhile, Cedric's parents rushed down from the stands, frantic with worry, almost sprinting toward their injured son.
"Minerva, stay calm." Dumbledore gave Professor McGonagall a reassuring nod, signaling her not to panic, then turned to Madam Pomfrey and asked her to examine Cedric immediately.
"His leg is broken," Madam Pomfrey said after a swift but thorough examination. "He'll have to stay in the hospital for treatment tonight."
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I'm fine." Cedric seemed more anxious than anyone else. Fighting through the pain, he said, "Something's happened to Jerry. We were attacked near the end of the maze, and right before my eyes, Jerry... disappeared!"
"But Apparition is impossible on the Quidditch Pitch, where the maze stands. You can neither Apparate in nor out," Professor McGonagall said, shaking her head in disbelief, her brow tightly furrowed. "Cedric, are you certain you saw Jerry disappear like that?"
Cedric nodded, and everyone around him instinctively turned to Dumbledore.
"Let Cedric go to the Hospital Wing first." Dumbledore's brow was furrowed. Cedric's parents hurried after their son's stretcher toward the Hospital Wing. The sight of him being carried out had terrified them both.
"Wait a moment." Snape suddenly stepped forward to stop Cedric. "Where's Potter?"
"Harry? Hasn't he come back yet?" Confusion appeared on Cedric's face. "Wasn't he transported out after he got the Triwizard Cup?"
Everyone froze at those words, exchanging glances as unease and confusion filled the air.
"Wait, are you saying... the Triwizard Cup wasn't supposed to be a Portkey?"
"That's enough, Cedric. Go to the Hospital Wing with your parents and focus