326 Olympe Maxime

This room was clearly a reception area though as there was no chairs or other furniture anywhere in it. There was a pair of double doors made of white oak that remained open and had two people waiting next to them. An extremely tall woman in a flowing black dress that had a collar of white fur. She had short well maintained brown hair and dark eyes while her face bore a sort of warm soft curvature to it that hid her age well. Nick knew who this woman was even without introduction that to his knowledge from the books , Olympe Maxime the headmistress of Beauxbatons.-

She smiled widely when she saw Dumbledore and walked over until she towered over both of them. "Vut a pleasant surprise ve have 'ere!" she said happily with a thick accent while holding out her hand which Dumbledore kissed politely on the knuckles. "It is always wonderful to see you Olympe though I must admit that I am not here to compete but rather my student is instead." Dumbledore said with a smile. The large women seemed taken back by this and finally turned her attention to Nick to get a good look at him.-

"Zuch a andsome young man! Vut marvelous 'air and eyes , golden like...!" she froze mid speech when the recognition of what his eyes were like sank in. "Like those of a phoenix , yes and not without reason either. Nicholas here is quite loved by birds." Dumbledore said with a smile. "Nicholas Ravenclaw , ring maker." Nick introduced himself in French with a slight respectful bow. "Olympe Maxime , headmistress of Beauxbatons and happy to make your acquaintance." she said warmly in French once he made it clear he spoke the language. Dumbledore Clapped softly " now that introduction are finished perhaps we had best move elsewhere lest we hold up the other visitors." he said warmly.-

"Ah zes , Celeste can 'andle zis I am confidont." The large woman said and the middle aged looking French women still at the doors nodded "Of course Madam , please enjoy your conversation." she said in French. The headmistress then led Nick and Dumbledore away into the school grounds outside the reception room. Rather than having the floo set up in the school itself it was instead in a separate building just outside the schools protective wards. It was a smart placement as it meant the school couldn't be invaded via the floo network.-

Beauxbatons school grounds were much like those of Hogwarts , extremely spacious and filled with a picturesque scenery. The castle itself was old and richly designed with solid architecture though the material composition seemed a bit gaudy in Nicks opinion as white stone clashed hard with the otherwise green area. Much to his discomfort though the majority of the grounds  was covered by a very well kept and vibrant floral garden. Nick may as well be a dwarf with how the only way he was truly comfortable was being surrounded by stone walls and metal tools.-

The half giant noticed his discomfort immediately "Is it not to your liking?" she asked worried that there may be something off with the garden. Nick shook his head "It's truly wonderful , but sadly I am personally more comfortable with stone and metal surrounding me. It's a crafters curse I'm afraid." Nick explained apologetically. "Ah! I understand. Did you know Nicolas Flammel himself has a similar problem? He is most comfortable when he has at least some sort of magical item with him." she said with an kind smile. Obviously this conversation was happening in French and despite speaking the language himself Dumbledore was perfectly content merely listening.-

Nick smirked "I imagine the man must have all sorts of bad habits after being alive for six hundred years." he joked and she laughed. "Oh yes , by far the worst has to be the way he drinks his coffee , black as night. He says he enjoys the bitterness of the drink but I simply can't fathom why." she complains. "I prefer coffee with a bit of pure chocolate and almond cream , gives it a lovely sweetness and nutty aftertaste." Nick said and her eyes lit up "That does sound like a wonderful treat." she said with a smile.-

They continued chatting peacefully for a few moments as they walked through the gardens and it became abundantly clear to Nick that she loved to talk. She didn't drone on or anything like that but she clearly enjoyed holding a conversation about any topic she found interesting , gossip especially. Nick was more than happy to indulge her in that manner as she was a font of interesting information once she got going. Sadly all good thing must come to an end and he felt the allure of veelas tapping at his protections once again.