"Let's get down to business."
Douglas nodded and solemnly took a scroll from a compartment in the package.
The ancient parchment still carried the dry scent of the sun-scorched banks of the Nile.
He unrolled the scroll on Dumbledore's desk.
Three ancient scripts, written in three different magical inks, covered it in densely packed clauses.
This was the Tripartite Agreement jointly signed by Hogwarts, the Egyptian Ministry of Magic, and Uagadou School of Magic.
The smile faded from Dumbledore's face.
He put his Half-moon Spectacles back on and carefully examined every word on the scroll.
His gaze was focused and sharp, as though he could see through the parchment to every hidden clash and maneuver behind the agreement.
"A splendid diplomatic victory, Douglas."
After a long while, Dumbledore looked up and offered his heartfelt praise.
"A few insignificant little gold mines in exchange for a priceless testing ground for ancient magic."
"It will probably be a long time before the Egyptians realize what they have lost."
He picked up the quill on his desk.
Its tip dipped lightly into the inkwell.
Then he solemnly signed his name in the space for Hogwarts' representative.
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.
As the final letter fell into place, the entire scroll suddenly burst with a soft golden light.
The light flashed and vanished, as though the parchment had absorbed it.
Douglas could feel a strange magical resonance spanning the vast distance.
At that moment, in the distant Headmaster's Office at Uagadou School of Magic and a secret chamber in the Egyptian Ministry of Magic.
The same golden signature was appearing on two other identical scrolls.
The agreement officially took effect.
"Now, this is a moment worth celebrating."
Dumbledore spoke cheerfully.
He snapped his fingers.
Two crystal-clear stemmed glasses and a bottle of Firewhisky