"I am so glad you could come, Olympe," Minerva said, extending her hand for Madame Maxime to shake. She almost lost her balance as she was, unexpectedly, pulled into an embrace.
"No problème at all," Olympe shrugged, pushing her back onto her feet. "Zese matters are easier to discuss face to face zan in small lettairs."
Minerva nodded. "I'm quite at a loss for what do."
"I must admit I 'ave nevair 'ad a similar problème, fortunately, but I am 'appy to share part of our Beauxbatons library wiz a fellow 'eadmistress." She held up a giant bag and then opened it to show a set of enormous, dusty books.
"Thank you," Minerva said, heart-felt, as she took the bag from her. Then, thinking better of it, she carefully put it on the ground next to her.
"Everyzing is looking so deserted 'ere," Olympe remarked. "Is 'Agrid not around?"
"I don't think so, but one of my colleagues saw light in his cabin yesterday," Minerva said. "I can walk with you to find out, if you want. Some fresh air would do me good."
It turned out that it was actually warmer out on the grounds than inside the castle. While Olympe suppressed a shiver, Minerva could open her cloak and loosen her scarf a little.
As they approached Hagrid's front door, a faint clatter seemed to come from inside the cabin. But after they had knocked a few times, Minerva came to the conclusion that perhaps he had left some animal behind that could have made the noise. She tried to look in, but the thick curtains were closed and everything was quiet again. Sybill must indeed have imagined the light the night before, as it would be impossible to see, even if it had been on.
Olympe was visibly disappointed. "Can you tell me where 'e went?" she asked. "'e 'asn't written to me in weeks…"
"He's with his brother," Minerva frowned, "but I don't know the exact location."
"It's fine," Olympe said quickly. "I'm sure 'e'll show up and zen you just tell 'im I 'ave been 'ere. Per'aps zat will remind 'im to write."
Minerva nodded thoughtfully. She didn't know where Grawp was staying these days and could only hope that Hagrid wasn't getting in trouble again. And then the light, the day before… If there had in fact been a light. He could of course have been in to pick something up, but then it seemed unlike Hagrid not to come up to her office and say hi.
But as they returned to the castle, Minerva decided to ignore that particular mystery. She had enough on her mind. Like that stack of French books she would have to decipher.
"Olympe…" she said slowly, "would you mind staying at Hogwarts just a little longer? Or do you have to return to your own duties right away? I think my French is moderate, but medieval texts using specialised terms on ghosts might just be a little too challenging…"
"Oh… I would be 'appy to 'elp," the tall woman smiled. "I will return to 'Ogwarts as soon as I can. But wiz ze 'olidays I 'ave to make preparations, so I will 'ave to go 'ome today."
"Of course," Minerva nodded, thinking how different her activities would be now if the school had still been open. It would undoubtedly have been a busy month.