#12 - Chapter 12 Madame Maxime

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic is located in the Pyrenees Mountains of southern France.

The school's castle, nestled among the mountains, is a beautiful French palace.

The castle is surrounded by gardens and fountains created by magic, its grandeur breathtaking.

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic has stood there for over 700 years, witnessing countless changes.

Sebastian remembered that when expanding Swan Alchem's French business, he had visited the headmistress of this magic school—Madame Olympe Maxime—and toured the school.

He remembered the banquet hall being exceptionally magnificent, its ornate decorations and exquisite details truly awe-inspiring.

During student meals, wood nymphs would sing serenades in the banquet hall, adding a touch of mystery and romance to the dining atmosphere.

And during Christmas, the banquet hall was even more elaborately decorated, filled with sparkling, giant ice sculptures created by magic, which would not melt, adding a touch of fantasy to the holiday.

After arriving in France this time, Sebastian did not go directly to visit Madame Maxime.

Instead, he first went to the French headquarters of Swan Alchem to settle down.

There, he wrote a letter.

In the letter, he explained his intentions and arranged a meeting time.

After all, in European culture, it is very impolite to visit without an appointment.

Moreover, Sebastian now represents more than just himself.

As the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts, he cannot let Hogwarts lose face.

Therefore, Sebastian needed a very formal meeting.

He sealed the letter with the Hogwarts crest and sent it to Madame Maxime via owl.

Soon, he received a reply, and Madame Maxime agreed to the meeting time and welcomed his arrival.

On the appointed day, Sebastian arrived at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic on time and, accompanied by a school staff member, met Madame Maxime.

"Welcome, Sebastian," Madame Maxime said warmly as she approached.

The Madame Maxime before him was nearly 3 meters tall, wearing a black satin dress and adorned with many precious opals, appearing tall and elegant.

Her eyes were bright and spirited, revealing a resolute and confident demeanor.

Madame Maxime smiled and raised her right hand to Sebastian.

"It is an honor to meet you, Madame Maxime."

Sebastian gently gave Madame Maxime a kiss on the hand and then sat down at her invitation.

Looking at the young man seated, Madame Maxime asked gently:

"Sebastian, you said in your letter that you intend to strengthen the exchange and cooperation between magic schools."

"Now, representing Hogwarts, what specific ideas and plans do you have?"

Sebastian said methodically:

"Madame, there are three magic schools in Europe: Beauxbatons, Hogwarts, and Durmstrang. These three magic schools enjoy extremely high reputations in the magical world."

"Although our schools are located in different geographical locations, these three schools have always maintained close ties and cooperation."

"To allow the young people of these three schools to broaden their horizons and build friendships,"

"More than seven hundred years ago, the three schools jointly launched the 'Triwizard Tournament' and held it every five years, maintaining the competition."

"Unfortunately, too many contestants died later, and this tradition was discontinued."

As soon as he finished speaking, Madame Maxime interrupted Sebastian, her brow furrowing slightly:

"Do you want to restart the Triwizard Tournament? That is not an easy thing to do!"

Sebastian revealed a confident smile, explaining with assurance:

"You misunderstood, Madame! I do not intend to restore the Triwizard Tournament."

"I just want to hold a simpler inter-school competition, one that can promote healthy competition among the three schools."

"A competition that all students from the three schools can participate in."

"Allowing students to broaden their horizons and make more friends in a healthy competitive relationship."

Madame Maxime became interested and sat up slightly straighter.

Sebastian pulled out his wand and waved it gently, and a line of glittering words appeared beside the two of them.

"Magical Schools Quidditch Cup?"

"Hmm..."

"Almost all students love Quidditch."

"And there's no danger involved."

"It is indeed a good way to start cooperation."

"So, what exactly do you plan to do, Sebastian?" Madame Maxime asked, her voice both questioning and excited.

"My plan is for each of the three schools to field their own Quidditch teams and then take turns competing."

"To be fair, the referees for each game will be appointed by a third-party school."

"The players will play one game each at home and away."

"This way, each team will play a total of four games against the other two schools."

"Select the top two according to the results of the competition,"

"And then let the top two play in the final!"

"The final winner will be the champion!"

Sebastian took out a beautifully crafted plan and handed it to Madame Maxime.

"The specific steps are in this plan. You can take a closer look, and I am always available to answer any questions you may have."

Sebastian's voice became a little shy, "There are also some small personal considerations of mine in here."

"Swan Alchem has established a new department—Swan Media!"

"At the same time, Swan Alchem launched three alchemical products at the beginning of this year: magical cameras, magical images, and magical televisions."

Madame Maxime said, "I know, your French Swan Alchem sent me samples back then."

"And, I heard that these products were very popular during this Quidditch World Cup!"

Sebastian smiled and continued:

"Swan Media wants to obtain the live broadcast rights and magical image sales rights for this Magic Schools Quidditch Cup."

"Of course, during the entire Magic Schools Quidditch Cup season, regardless of the revenue generated by these alchemical products or the advertising revenue during the live broadcast, Swan Media will not take a single penny, and the three magic schools will divide it equally."

Madame Maxime looked at Sebastian, a teasing look in her eyes, "You are really something, never forgetting to get benefits for your own company."

Taking Sebastian's plan, Madame Maxime began to read it carefully.

......

After a day of lively discussion, Madame Maxime made a decision.

Beauxbatons Academy of Magic will co-host the Magic Schools Quidditch Cup with Hogwarts.

After saying goodbye to Madame Maxime, Sebastian went to Northern Europe and, in the same way, persuaded the headmaster of Durmstrang Institute.

During the entire month that followed, Sebastian ran around and finally, in early August, finalized all the details with the heads of the other two schools.

During this time, Sebastian also took a day to participate in the Quidditch World Cup.

He still caught the Golden Snitch within two minutes, and strongly entered the top four of the Quidditch World Cup.

Dragging his tired body, Sebastian returned to his home outside London.

As soon as he entered the door, he threw himself onto the bed, burying himself deeply in the quilt.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Days when I can't make my own decisions are really too tiring!!!"