harry potter book of crimes

Today is still a sunny day, at least for Beauxbatons.

However, Hermione and the others had no time to appreciate such beautiful weather.

The old housekeeper has already discussed with Mrs. Maxim that they will go to several surrounding countries to visit some forces worth winning over and try to persuade them to join the formation of the "Resistance Alliance".

Since Maka is not here, with Hermione's wisdom, she naturally became the representative of Hogwarts and one of the initiators of the alliance.

After sending Harry and the others away, Hermione actually didn't stay in Beauxbatons for too long. When the sun rose and illuminated the earth, she and the old housekeeper took a ride on Madame Maxime's huge goddess.

The Fuma carriage headed to Belgium, the first destination of their trip.

It has to be said that this country, which is also separated from the United Kingdom by the Strait of Dover, is actually very dangerous. If Haierbo has a thought and prepares to invade the European continent, Belgium will most likely "take it by the way".

Occupied.

For the same reason, the Netherlands to the north of Belgium also has the same danger, so Mrs. Maxim's next stop is to go north, and then maybe transfer to Germany, which is adjacent to these two countries.

In fact, while Harry and the others were still sailing on the English Channel, Hermione had already arrived in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, with Madame Maxime and the old housekeeper.

"I have had several exchanges with Ms. De Guin, the Minister of Magic of Belgium... Generally speaking, she is a person who is more emotional than rational. She has always focused on the rights and welfare of the wizarding people since she took office. Originally, there was no such thing in Belgium.

It’s a magic school, but with her unremitting efforts, Belgium’s first wizard enlightenment school was finally completed. It’s small, but at least it exists.”

On the carriage, Madame Maxime introduced Hermione and the old housekeeper about the female minister they would meet soon. Of course, these things were mainly for Hermione, because the old housekeeper didn't know much about the other party.

Much less than Madame Maxime.

And Hermione, who was extremely smart, did not disappoint Maxim's expectations. Although the latter only pointed out the words, she immediately understood the profound meaning. After meeting him later, she changed from "humanistic care"

The efficiency of persuasion from the perspective of "will definitely be much higher than talking about gains and losses.

The three of them had already got out of the car. After leaving the invisible carriage and the driver in a large parking lot that had been cast a Muggle-repelling spell, they walked around several buildings and walked in quietly.

An alley with few passers-by.

Not long after, Mrs. Maxim, who was leading the way, stretched out her wand at a corner and gently tapped the bricks in the corner. The next moment, she, who was tall, had to bend down without any hindrance.

The ground slammed into the wall.

Hermione and the old butler saw this and hurriedly followed.

…

This is a wizarding street somewhat similar to Diagon Alley in England.

Slightly narrow streets, various magic shops, strange buildings of different heights, and a sky squeezed into a line by the surrounding buildings.

But what is different from Diagon Alley is that every shop here is decorated with various colorful tarpaulins, tapestries and murals. Although they take up a little space, they all look beautiful.

Of course, the practice of putting all the tables and chairs on the street is not worth advocating.

It can be seen that Madame Maxime had a hard time walking here...well! The ones who had more trouble than her were probably the Belgian wizards who had to make way for her!

The arrival of Mrs. Maxim caused many wizards passing by to cast either wary or curious glances at her. However, Maxim was already accustomed to this kind of gaze and did not take it seriously at all, at least on the surface.

Such.

Although... after entering this wizard street, she obviously became less talkative.

"Further ahead is the Ministry of Magic," the old butler said to Hermione next to him. "I have been here before, but I apparated here directly... Oh, I was blocked by the madam. You will be here soon.

You can see it.”

Sure enough, after they followed Mrs. Maxim for a while, the road seemed to gradually become wider. This was not because the road really became wider, but because there were fewer things on the street.

Soon, Hermione finally saw a typical Gothic building that looked ancient and grand. The complex and exquisite exterior wall sculptures made people feel dazzled.

"This is the Belgian Ministry of Magic," the old butler said. "This used to be the old residence of an ancient wizard family, and its inheritance is no less than that of our Blois family..."

"It's a pity that it fell into disrepair in the 16th century. In the end, the heir sold it half and gave it half to the president of the Belgian Wizards' Council who wanted to establish the Ministry of Magic at that time, and changed his position in the Ministry of Magic. In fact, this street is also

Later, another building was built around this old house, so you see, it seems a bit out of place here..."

As the butler of the Blois family, these histories about other famous wizarding families need to be kept in mind. At this moment, the old butler introduced it to Hermione, and it was almost easy to pick it up.

While they were talking, they followed Mrs. Maxim to the gate.

"I am Orim Maxim, the principal of Beauxbatons School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have something urgent to do and I need to meet with Ms. Dequin. Please let me know!"

After saying something to the guard at the door, she walked in on her own. Hermione saw that the wizard guard originally wanted to stop him verbally, but was quickly stopped by the older colleague on the other side.

Eyesight quickly stopped him.

"That's Madame Maxime! You little fool from Durmstrang"

As soon as he reprimanded him, he saw the old housekeeper and Hermione walking up behind Madame Maxime, and he immediately stopped talking in embarrassment.

Basically, Belgium also speaks French. Although some words are slightly different from those in France, Hermione can be understood at least by the old housekeeper.

"Hello," the old housekeeper didn't pay attention to the somewhat vulgar words he just said, and nodded politely to the other party, "We came to see Ms. De Guin together with Madame Maxime, can I come in?

?”

He did not identify himself here because it was obviously unnecessary.

"Oh! Hello old gentleman, and this beautiful lady... Of course," the other party said quickly, "Please come in, please come in!"

Amidst each other's warm greetings, the old butler and Hermione also passed through the door and walked into the reception hall of the Belgian Ministry of Magic.

"Let's not talk until we meet the minister later. You will find that there is a reason why Madam Maxime chose to come here in the first place."

The old butler whispered in Hermione's ear.