"Hello, Ms. DeQuin... Although it is at this time, it is still nice to meet you."
After Mrs. Maxim made the introduction, Hermione originally wanted to say something to the other party about the current situation and her own thoughts. But when she remembered that the old housekeeper had reminded her that she could wait and see what happened at first, she hesitated for a moment and decided to do as the old housekeeper said.
So, she simply said hello to the other party.
"Oh, nice to meet you too!"
Very standard British English, with a bit of a Cockney accent - Hermione was willing to bet that this Ms. DeQuin had actually lived in England for some time.
Of course, whether the other party has been to the UK is obviously not the focus of today's meeting. Hermione just smiled and nodded, and Ms. DeQuin also nodded slightly, and then went to exchange a few words with the old housekeeper.
Not long after, the four people sat down again around the small round table covered with colorful brocade tablecloth. As the host, Ms. De Guin finally took the lead and said:
"I didn't expect that three distinguished guests would visit me this early morning in Belgium - Beauxbatons and Hogwarts, the two major wizarding schools, as well as the French Blois family with ancient wizard heritage. Oh, if only the three of them could have informed me in advance Let me tell you, I have to arrange the highest courtesy before I dare to let you in!"
Her words were in a relaxed tone, her face was calm, her words were humorous, and she even had a breathtaking smile on her lips. She was completely different from the sad look she had in her office before.
However, this also vaguely showed her attitude towards this meeting: after the joy of reuniting with Madame Maxime's old friend, she still remembered her identity after all, and with her duties as Minister of Magic of Belgium, this conversation After all, it still has to be kicked off in a more "official" state.
As Hermione mentioned just now, a meeting of this level at this "opportunity" will inevitably make people think a little.
However, Hermione and the old housekeeper did not express their opinions on this. Instead, they remained silent for a short time and still gave the right to speak to Mrs. Maxim.
"DeQuin... Ah, sorry, I should call you 'Minister DeQuin' now..."
Although Mrs. Maxim has some giant blood flowing in her body, her wisdom is no less than that of most people. Otherwise, she would not be able to firmly grasp Booth in the eyes of many discriminations and suspicions. Patton's position as principal.
With this opening, she consciously incorporated her personal relationship with De Guin into the conversation again. And she said it the other way around, so Dequin didn't even know whether to smile slightly reluctantly or simply acknowledge Maxim's feelings and correct him tactfully.
Yes, although she and DeQuin are indeed both teachers and friends, both parties are now shouldering many responsibilities.
Otherwise, why have they only communicated through personal letters over the years? It's because they both understand that both parties are the kind of people who are willing to give everything to their responsibilities. Once the friendship between two people involves work, this rare friendship will definitely no longer be so pure.
Maxim did not stop, and then smiled and said:
"It's just a joke! As you can see, we didn't come here with any fanfare just to make this meeting less formal - we are friends, aren't we? You know, we are friends. In fact, I know that you must be here every day recently. Everyone is having a hard time... The harm of this disaster is obvious to all, and no one can hide everyone's condition from others."
The two are friends after all. As Mrs. Maxim talked, she gradually put aside her previous somewhat aggressive attitude. Her words gradually became more sincere.
"I know your difficulties, and I think you should also know our difficulties." She paused, and then continued, "Look, the fact that Blois Castle was destroyed by Haierbo overnight has almost become a reality. Everyone knows it, and we Beauxbatons have to keep quiet to avoid getting into trouble... And although the news has not spread yet, in fact, Hogwarts Castle has also been involved in a dispute between Hale and Mr. MacLean. Destroyed in fierce battle—"
"What!"
This news was undoubtedly a huge shock to DeQuin.
You know, almost all the forces are currently watching the back and forth between Maka and Haierbo, and everyone is also looking forward to Maka being able to win the battle. But who knew that Maka, who was born in Hogwarts, also failed to keep her "roots" under Haierbo.
Hmm... No, if you think about it carefully, should this be called a failure for Maka? Or should we say that he has enough foresight
The decision to arrange for all the teachers and students of Hogwarts to leave in advance meant that what Haierbo destroyed was nothing more than an empty shell.
In fact, Mrs. Maxim naturally had a purpose for telling this "breaking" news.
Nowadays, too many people are relying on Maka, but Maka cannot protect everyone alone. The current situation where most of the forces are just silent spectators is actually very dangerous! She had to make everyone shaken a lot, so that she could force them to unite and fight with all their strength against the huge crisis that might be coming.
After Dequin calmed down a little and recovered from the surprise of the destruction of Hogwarts Castle, Maxim continued:
"Dequin, let me tell you the truth! The reason we came here this time is actually to form a resistance alliance composed of multiple forces - I don't need to say who is resisting, right? I just want you to understand that we can't If we wait any longer, this is not a battle for the British wizarding community, let alone Mr. Maclean’s alone!"
Hearing what Mrs. Maxim said, Hermione couldn't help but feel deeply, and subconsciously wanted to say something. But at this moment, the old housekeeper next to her motioned to her with his eyes, apparently telling her not to interrupt at this time.
"Can't you speak yet? Didn't Mr. Butler mean to let me see clearly the relationship between Madame Maxime and Ms. De Guin?"
And just when Hermione was confused, Ms. Dequin, who had been listening to Maxim's words, finally took a deep breath, and then said slowly:
"Olim, you came to me this time not to ask me to join the 'Resistance Alliance', right? Well, at least your biggest purpose is definitely not this."
As she was speaking, she suddenly changed the topic and sighed softly for no reason:
"You should know that Erich and I... haven't seen each other for a long time."