"We have reviewed the preliminary application you submitted."
Director Hassan interlaced his fingers over his slightly protruding belly and leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed and arrogant.
"We appreciate Hogwarts' desire to pursue academic cooperation with us on the preservation of ancient ruins."
His wording was official and hollow, every word seemingly plucked from the Ministry of Magic Diplomatic Standard Handbook.
"However."
He changed tack, leaning forward slightly, and his eyes finally emerged from the shadows.
"Ankh-Ka's tomb is Egypt's precious heritage, a treasure bestowed upon us by the Nile."
"Any form of cooperation must proceed under the leadership of the Egyptian Ministry of Magic."
Director Imani took over, her voice more direct than Hassan's, like dry grains of sand.
"Under our regulations, any archaeological project involving a foreign institution requires payment of a ruins maintenance and security fee, to ensure that our cultural treasures suffer no potential damage."
She paused, glanced at the two of them over her gold-rimmed glasses, and calmly named a figure.
"Considering the unique nature of Ankh-Ka's tomb and its potentially immense historical value, this fee is provisionally set at fifty thousand Galleons per year."
She calmly named a figure.
That was not a negotiation. It was a notification.
Having finished, she even picked up the black tea on the table and gently blew on the steam, as though this were merely an insignificant opening remark.
Bill's eyebrows rose almost imperceptibly.
The smile on Douglas's face, however, did not change at all.
"Of course, of course."
He nodded repeatedly, like a young, inexperienced scholar frightened by the enormous figure.
"Protecting a great heritage comes first. All wizards agree on that."
"It's just..."
His expression grew troubled, his tone carrying just the right hint of confusion.
"Our preliminary exploration of that tomb uncovered some...