Gathering Momentum

Back when he was at school, the divisions between the Hogwarts houses had already been severe. In pursuit of power, he had joined the Death Eaters without hesitation, earning himself favorable treatment in Slytherin. In his later school years, he had even caught Voldemort's eye and been entrusted with important tasks.

To Slytherin students at the time, joining the Death Eaters was a tremendous honor. They did not care in the least what the other houses thought, convinced they had chosen the right path.

Now the question lay before her: what exactly did Grindelwald's daughter think of Voldemort and the Death Eaters?

"I've always believed that a school is a place for students to learn.

"Fostering factional divisions at school and making inexperienced, underage students proud of the Dark Marks on their arms—is that all Voldemort is capable of now?"

Her words were dripping with scorn. The mere fact that she called Voldemort by name showed how little regard she had for him.

Those who knew Anna knew she rarely used such extreme language to describe someone, unless that person had truly angered her in some way.

"The Board of Governors was originally established to safeguard the school's interests, and the school's interests are its students.

"No wonder. The Malfoy family has the most influence on the Board of Governors now, and they're busy kissing Voldemort's robes."

She tossed the list and supporting evidence onto the table, then reached for her tea. The warm drink calmed her a little.

"Elisa, a week ago, I asked you to take care of something. How is it going?"

For the moment, Anna did not bring up the safety of the students, turning instead to another matter.

"The surplus funds here in Europe have already been transferred to Gringotts in Britain.

"As for the rest of the world, especially the United States, the sums are so large that converting all the Dragots into Galleons is too complicated and requires some formalities, so it's still being processed."

Elisa gave her report dutifully.

"Then are the funds I have available now enough to secure a seat on the Hogwarts Board of Governors?"

At that, Snape looked up thoughtfully.

"Of course, Miss. If you wait until the funds from the United States arrive, you could even buy all of Hogwarts without any trouble."

Elisa spoke proudly, her face wreathed in smiles.

Over the past two years, the Acolytes' financial activities had grown increasingly frequent. Anna knew the course the world would take in the future, and that was the greatest golden finger she had gained upon coming to this world.

In her previous life, she had studied precisely these matters during the last few years before the end of her life. Thus, when investing in the Muggle World, she had hardly ever failed, as long as she read the trends correctly.

This had also made the younger generation of witches and wizards, such as North and Elisa, recognize Anna's unique potential.

These young witches and wizards made up a large part of the third of the Acolytes who had fully accepted her and pledged their loyalty to her, as she had told Old Mr. Prince two days earlier.

"Once the formalities are approved, transfer some of the funds from the United States to Asia. Offering help in a time of need will do more good now than adding to their prosperity later."

"Balk has already found a location and is about to begin preparations for establishing a dedicated science and magic laboratory. He needs talent from the Muggle side.

"Once you get to Asia, first meet with the wizards there, the cultivation families. I'll prepare a document for you on what to discuss afterward. Just remember to give me a summary of each round of talks."

Anna mentioned it briefly. As for which country would change most rapidly in the future, it was naturally her homeland from her previous life.

Moreover, China had little resistance to wizards—or cultivators, as they were called there—and could even be said to yearn for them. Having grown up immersed in thousands of years of myths, its people were highly receptive to extraordinary powers. So when the time came for integration, she planned to start in China.

For now, though, China was going through a difficult period. Aside from ordinary people, the cultivation families caught in the middle were presumably having a hard time too. They might as well take this opportunity to shift their focus overseas.

"As for backing a new School Governor at Hogwarts, choose one of those students' parents as a representative. I expect Voldemort will soon extend an olive branch to them.

"Since they're useful to him, those people won't be too blatant. Tell those children their task is to study hard. We'll do our best to keep outside interference at bay, and if they're wronged, they should strike back openly and honorably.

"In two years, when I go to Hogwarts, I'll have every right to chop off the Death Eaters' claws. I expect Headmaster Dumbledore will be very happy too."

Anna smiled, unable to hide the anticipation in her eyes.

With two Dark Lords' factions at Hogwarts, even Dumbledore would have a headache.

"Yes, Miss."

Elisa nodded, indicating that she had noted everything down. She declined Anna's invitation to lunch; she had many things to take care of and was pressed for time.

"So it's just the two of us for lunch today, Mr. Snape."

On the table were roast pork with vegetables, cream of corn soup with white bread, German onion tart as the main course, and ice cream for dessert. The drink was Anna's favorite honey lemonade.

The dishes were simple, but the House-elf was an excellent cook. Anna really did not want to complain about British food, so the previous year she had specifically sent North to find House-elves from other countries to work for her.

As she sat in the dining room enjoying lunch, she pondered how to lay her cards on the table with the professor, whom she suspected had been reborn.

After all, neither North nor Eileen was around, and the House-elves would not appear before their mistress without instructions. That meant it was an excellent opportunity to talk until the two returned.

"Miss Grindelwald, I think you should focus on the food in front of you instead of staring at me with an expression I can't understand!"

While she was still hesitating, he unexpectedly spoke first. Only then did she realize she had been so absorbed in thought that her gaze had remained fixed on him.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It's a little habit of mine when I'm thinking. Please forgive my rudeness.

"And just call me Anna."

She looked away and wiped her mouth with a napkin, concealing her slight embarrassment.

"Then, Miss Anna, what were you thinking about so deeply? Could it have been about me?"

Snape asked, trying to make his voice sound like that of an eight-year-old boy. Unfortunately, Anna could hear no difference.

"Ah, about that, since you've brought it up..."

The silver-haired girl took a sip of the honey lemonade beside her to moisten her throat, then addressed the person opposite her in an exceedingly curious tone.

"I was just wondering when exactly you were reborn, Professor Snape?"