Excitement fills the frigid winter air as the start of the Third Task looms near.

Did you bring a heavy winter coat or cloak? Did you remember to wear your thick House scarf, a pair of mittens and even a hat to keep your head warm? Did you remember to bring loud noise-making devices and banners to hoist in the air?

Cheering on the champions might keep you warm, but once they've entered the strange circular maze, there isn't much else to do than wait and hope that whatever the champions are facing isn't as bad as what you're imagining.

The snow-topped hedges are impenetrable, both to sight and to sound. A black wall just beyond the few flickering torches that fill the starting area with uncertain light, they are moving slightly in the wintry breeze and rustling faintly. As there is nothing to see, there is nothing to hear.

NOTHING.

And which is worse? Complete silence that leaves the champions to an uncertain fate – or loud noises of a struggle? But there is one lingering doubt hidden in the back of your mind that you and no one else dares to speak - will this be the task where red wand sparks will light up the sky because a champion is in serious distress and will they make it out . . . alive?


While waiting for the first champion to emerge from the maze, there is not much else to do than sit tight, stay warm, say a few cheers, do the wave, and catch up on the latest gossip.