Douglas paused, then offered the final bait.
"How about this?"
"Hogwarts is willing to relinquish ownership and discovery rights to these smaller tombs and hand over all the information to you, free of charge."
"In exchange, how about entrusting that dangerous and worthless Ankh-Ka curse field entirely to us for closed academic research?"
"We will cover all maintenance and research expenses ourselves and guarantee that not the slightest trace of the curse will escape."
"This way, you gain tangible wealth, resolve a troublesome problem, and earn an international reputation for supporting academic freedom."
His pitch left no room for objection.
Director Hassan's eyes shone like a pair of Galleons.
He looked at Imani, asking with his eyes.
Imani nodded without hesitation.
Trading an enormous debt for several potential gold mines.
Even a student fresh out of magic school could do that calculation.
"Deal!"
Director Hassan slapped the table. This time, the smile on his face was heartfelt.
"However," he added, his eyes shifting as his politician's instincts began working again, "to demonstrate the breadth and openness of this collaboration."
"I suggest inviting Africa's Uagadou School of Magic to join as a co-organizer."
"We can sign a three-party cooperation agreement."
"Of course, Hogwarts will still lead the actual academic research."
Douglas understood immediately.
This was about saving face.
Bringing Uagadou aboard would allow them to package the affair as a grand, Egyptian-led plan to revive pan-African magical civilization.
Rather than an embarrassing deal to sell off a hot potato.
"I completely agree." Douglas smiled and nodded. "An excellent proposal, Director. It demonstrates your vision and insight."
The agreement was soon drafted.
When the three parties' representatives signed the parchment, a magical glow flashed across it, and the contract formally took effect.
They stepped out of the Egyptian Ministry of Magic.
Cairo's