The sun finally sank below the treetops of the Forbidden Forest.
As the last streak of golden-red light disappeared behind the distant mountains, a silver magical signal rose from the Judges' Stand and burst into brilliant fireworks—the signal that the contest was over.
"Time's up!" Ludo Bagman's voice finally rang with excitement. "The First Task of the Triwizard Tournament is officially over!"
The spectators in the Stands, who had long since grown impatient, perked up at last.
Wizards who had nearly fallen asleep during the final three hours rubbed their eyes and sat up straight. Students who had gone to buy George and Fred's prank snacks hurriedly put away their purchases. Every eye turned to the enormous magical projections.
On the projections, the Champions' reactions could not have been more different.
In the clearing where Will and Harry stood, the two were leisurely tidying up their "battlefield."
Harry stuffed the last half of a roasted rabbit leg into his mouth and, while chewing, used his Wand to clear the bones and ashes from the ground.
Will unhurriedly slipped the Golden Eggs into a cloth bag he had conjured on the spot. He looked as relaxed as if this were an ordinary outing rather than an international competition.
Elsewhere, Beauxbatons' three Champions emerged from their hiding place.
Fleur Delacour tossed her long silver hair, her wary expression giving way to relief. Sophie and Marc looked ready to collapse where they stood. They had spent the past three hours on edge, watching for the Durmstrang competitors.
On the Durmstrang side, though, the mood was bleak.
Krum leaned against a large tree, his face pale. Semyon looked little better. Neither of them had much to show for their efforts.
As for Cedric, he had woken up some time ago and was now watching