The Acolytes' Meeting

"First, thank you all for gathering here. I'm glad you haven't looked down on me for being so young. Although that's partly because of my father, I'm happy all the same, because you've treated me as an equal."

Her youthful voice echoed through the quiet meeting hall. Her tone was calm and gentle, without the slightest tremor or hint of unease.

"Balk said you all gave me this manor. You should know that on my birthday or at Christmas, Father feels awkward even saying a few words of good wishes to me."

Anna chuckled. The Acolytes hadn't expected her to joke about His Excellency at a time like this. The somewhat tense atmosphere eased, and smiles appeared in many of their eyes.

"Especially that cherry tree. I really love it. Thank you, Daina."

Balk sat on her right, while Daina Klar sat on her left.

"I'm glad you like it, Miss. Everyone helped prepare everything in the manor."

In truth, Daina had arranged almost everything in the garden herself. Daina Klar's daughter was the same age as Anna, and so she was especially fond of Anna, who was young but unusually mature.

"This is the most valuable gift I've ever received in my life. Thank you all so very much.

"I know everyone gathered here today to discuss the Acolytes' future.

"I'm honored to have earned my father's trust and the support of everyone here.

"For the Greater Good, so that we wizards would no longer have to hide away under the International Statute of Secrecy—that was the goal my father pursued alongside all of you back then. Unfortunately, in the end, they failed."

After briefly easing the atmosphere, Anna brought the conversation back on topic, and her words drew everyone's attention.

"Father once told me that his methods back then were too extreme, and that the idea of wizards ruling Muggles was too arrogant.

"Over the past few decades, we've all seen the progress Muggles have made. Far too many novel technological products capable of replacing magic have appeared, while the Wizarding World has remained unchanged.

"If I remember correctly, it's been years since the Wizarding World created a new magical object.

"I'm sure you've all noticed this as well."

The original Acolytes had all lived through the Second World War, and even the First. They did not reject Muggles the way Voldemort's Pure-blood Death Eaters did. In fact, many had chosen to marry Muggles and have children with them. In recent years, they had been active not only in the Wizarding World but also in the Muggle World.

Those who had experienced failure would always learn from it, all the more so for these outstanding members of the Wizarding World.

"Failure isn't frightening. What's frightening is refusing to change and stubbornly clinging to one's own views.

"As I see it, there's no difference between wizards and Muggles.

"We have magic; they have technology.

"But if things continue as they are and the Wizarding World doesn't change, trust my judgment: within fifty years, their technology will have developed to a point none of you can imagine."

Anna's expression was so serious that whispers began to rise below. She understood that, deep down, these people still felt wizards were inherently superior to Muggles, even if they wouldn't admit it aloud.

Anna gave them some time to discuss it with the people beside them and think it over, while she looked through the documents in her hands.

"The person in charge of the American Saints Federation is... Mrs. Roland Anderson?"

Hearing Anna say her name, Roland Anderson, who was seated in the middle, stopped talking to the person beside her and stood up.

She was a very elegant woman, dressed formally, with a solemn expression and an air of authority even without anger. According to the documents, she held an important position in the judicial branch of the Magical Congress of the United States of America. She had come to attend this meeting under the pretext of a vacation.

"Hello, and thank you for coming today."

Anna smiled and nodded, then gestured for her to sit down.

"Ms. Anderson, everything I'm telling you today has a basis. Once you return to America, you can have someone look into what's happening at Cape Kennedy. Humanity's first manned moon landing is already in the preparation stage.

"This is a miracle created by Muggle scientists themselves, without the involvement of a single wizard.

"I'm certain that within five years, we'll all witness the momentous occasion of humanity entering space for the first time in history.

"It's something that even wizards who wield magic haven't managed to do.

"When the time comes, we can all go and watch together. It can be a group activity for the Acolytes."

Humanity's first moon landing took place in 1969, and it was now 1966. Living a second life, Anna was also delighted that she could witness a glorious human achievement worthy of the history books.

Once she said this, not only Roland Anderson but even Balk Nagel, who had spent the most time with Anna, was somewhat shocked.

He was certain that over the years, Anna had had very little access to information about Muggles. So where had she learned about such a confidential matter? And how could she be certain it would succeed?

Could she have inherited His Excellency Grindelwald's gift of prophecy?

What surprised them most, however, was the moon landing itself.

"What does this have to do with our development?"

Another Acolyte raised a question from below, and Anna continued her answer without haste.

"In my vision, if we can use our magic as a foundation and add elements of Muggle technology, I believe these two forces together will be far greater than two.

"The end result will be that we-all those who agree with us and join us-will stand at the forefront of the whole world, of all humanity.

"That is the future I want for us, for wizards."

Once the Acolytes had absorbed Anna's vision, Roland Anderson spoke up with a question. Her voice trembled slightly, showing that she was far from calm.

"But, Miss Grindelwald, you say there's no difference between wizards and Muggles, yet the fact is that we can never coexist peacefully with them.

"Humans instinctively reject those who are different. That cannot be changed."

By now, she had forgotten Anna's age and was subtly placing her on the same level as Grindelwald.

"I've never viewed wizards and Muggles separately. We're all living beings called humans.

"We live together on Earth, witnessing and secretly taking part in countless historical developments.

"Even though they once feared our magic and saw us as different, even killing wizards, I've always believed that these tragedies were caused by ignorance.

"In the past, Muggles didn't understand the existence of wizards. They lacked knowledge and wisdom, and, misled by those in power, they shifted blame when disasters struck. To balance the interests of wizards and Muggles, the International Statute of Secrecy was established three hundred years ago."