Could the Spectators See the Inside of the Maze? (WAS: Moody at the Third Task)

[erisedstraeh2002]

No: HPFGUIDX 53252

Catherine wrote:

> If the maze was completely surrounded by stands, which would imply 
> that some of the spectators could see parts of the maze all of the 
> time, leaving very little of it completely impenetrable, BCJ's 
> actions would seem incredibly risky. 

and Amy responded:

> However, other questions arise . . . didn't the spectators see Krum 
> hitting Cedric with the Cruciatus?  Didn't they see Fleur writhing
> in pain and ask her, once she was rescued (if she was), what 
> happened?  

Now me:

This has always been a point of confusion for me.  The third task 
takes place under "a deep clear blue" sky in which "the first stars 
were starting to appear;" the hedge is described as being "twenty" 
feet high; the passages within are "dark and creepy;" the "towering 
hedges cast black shadows across the path."  Harry has to light the 
end of his wand to see.  All of these descriptors suggest that the 
interior of the maze is quite dark, and that it would not be possible 
for those outside the maze (those who are not in possession of a 
magical eye, of course!) to see what was going on inside the maze.  
Which would explain how Fake!Moody got away with the various measures 
he took to help Harry.  It would also explain why there's no 
indication that the spectators saw Harry and Cedric disappear when 
they touched the Cup.

But the spectators are in stands around the maze.  Which, as 
Catherine points out, suggests that they can see at least part of 
what's going on inside the maze.  And it would stand to reason that 
what the spectators would be the most interested in seeing would be 
when the triumphant champion reaches the Cup.

So I confess myself confused.  I just can't make sense out of 
spectators watching a dark maze.

~Phyllis