Dumbledore started to clap; the Students, following his lead, broke into applause too, many of them standing on tiptoe, the better to look at this woman. Her face relaxed into a gracious smile, and she walked forwards towards Dumbledore, extending a glittering hand. Dumbledore, though tall himself, had barely to bend to kiss it. "My dear Madame Maxime. Welcome to Hogwarts." he gleamed. "Dumbly-dorr." Madame Maxime said in a deep voice, she had a strong French accent. "I "ope I find you well?" she asked. "On excellent form, I thank you." Dumbledore assured her.