Don't be fooled by the criticism Dumbledore often received nowadays—especially from those who believed he was becoming senile in his old age. In his youth, countless people placed their trust in him, and even now, there were many who believed in him more than they trusted themselves.
The members of the Order of the Phoenix were the best example of that.
"The key is whether you trust Dumbledore." That was what Lupin had once said to Harry in the original story.
Now, with Cyrus's reputation steadily rising on a global scale, more and more wizards were beginning to treat his words as gospel, using his behavior as a moral compass—whether to restrain themselves or to inspire their actions.
But Dumbledore understood, just as Grindelwald had said, that every person has their own way of thinking.
Some would oppose the breaking of the Statute of Secrecy. Some would call for harsher treatment of Muggles...
Those conflicts wouldn't simply disappear—they could very well escalate into war.
"What is it you're worried about?" Cyrus asked with a smile. "Are you afraid of conflict?"
But Dumbledore shook his head.
"We both know conflict is inevitable. Wizards have been repressed for too long, and Muggles won't welcome a group that suddenly appears, so similar to themselves, yet intent on ruling over them." He was remarkably rational, especially in how he never indulged in naive fantasies. Just like he had never believed that resisting Voldemort would come without sacrifice.
He had always been one to prepare for the worst.
Muggles may not possess the magical power that wizards did, but they were far more adaptable—and far more skilled at war.
They were like lions, already ruling the vast savannah, and now, a small number of tigers had appeared, hoping to claim a place among them. Even if the world was vast, lions and tigers were unlikely to make room for one another.
Conflict was inevitable. Of that, Dumbledore was more certain than anyone.
And he also understood that for wizards, taking the initiative to break the Statute of Secrecy was far more advantageous than waiting to be discovered by Muggles.
"In that case, what questions do you still have?" Cyrus asked in return.
"Well.. The key lies in where you stand," Dumbledore said, locking eyes with Cyrus as if trying to peer into the depths of his soul through those golden-red eyes.
"You were born from the arrogance of Voldemort's soul, and yet you're nothing like him—you don't see yourself as superior," Dumbledore continued.
He could clearly sense that Cyrus bore no hatred or disdain for Muggles. On the contrary, there was a certain closeness, even a respect for their intelligence.
Thus far, Cyrus had treated all life more or less equally. Even with creatures like goblins—whom he openly despised—his loathing stemmed from personal dislike, not from any belief in superiority.
Survival of the fittest—that was simply the law of nature.
"Your power… even if Grindelwald and I joined forces, we might still be no match for you," Dumbledore said. "We both know that once you set your mind to something, no opposing force could truly stand against you."
"That's why I need to know—which side are you on?"
If Cyrus truly committed himself, there was nothing he couldn't accomplish. So whether he leaned toward wizards or toward Muggles was of critical importance.
Cyrus hadn't expected Dumbledore to ask that question, but the answer, to him, was simple.
"Why must I choose a side?" he replied with a question of his own. "I am like a scale—capable of balancing the weight on both ends."
"You'll find that very difficult," Dumbledore said meaningfully. "There's no such thing as absolute fairness in this world. You will always lean toward one side."
"Especially now that you represent the wizards. So many of them are willing to follow you—they see you as their leader. And you, too, will inevitably be influenced by them."
He continued, "When two different groups collide, it is inevitable that one side's interests will be harmed."
Actually, what Dumbledore meant was the Muggles.
To this day, most Muggles know nothing about wizards. They believe themselves to be the sole masters of the world, and the moment the wizarding world emerges into theirs, hostility is bound to follow. They won't allow something they consider solely theirs to be divided.
And as for the wizards? Most of them are so arrogant that they look down on Muggles.
They don't see Muggles as beings who can stand on equal footing. In fact, many still believe the Statute of Secrecy exists to protect the Muggles.
Cyrus understood this perfectly well.
"I'm already making preparations to address this problem," he said with a smile. Dumbledore immediately nodded, his gaze filled with curiosity. He calmly looked at Cyrus, waiting to hear the plan he had in mind.
"For the wizards, the most important thing is to eliminate the prejudice most of them hold toward Muggles. I want them to understand that Muggles simply lack magical power, not talent or intelligence. People like Mr. Weasley understand that better than anyone, right?" said Cyrus.
Dumbledore nodded.
Arthur Weasley was a well-known Muggle enthusiast.
"It's a pity that because of the Statute of Secrecy, even someone like him knows so little about the Muggle world. If wizards really took the time to understand Muggles, they'd realize just how much wisdom and creativity those without magic have poured into making their lives convenient," Cyrus said. "I think it's time to update the Muggle Studies curriculum."
He chuckled. "Lucius has been working on this in America recently. He's taken control of the entire North American wizarding economy and is investing heavily in the study of Muggle science and technology."
Breaking down prejudice—that was what Cyrus intended to do within the wizarding world.
Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
Cyrus continued, "And as for the Muggles, they need to be prepared for the existence of the wizarding world."
"That won't be easy," Dumbledore said.
"I believe the opposite," Cyrus replied. "The times have changed, Dumbledore. Muggles are evolving too. They're becoming more tolerant. The world is growing more diverse."
"As for the Statute of Secrecy, we don't need to break it with force. Instead, we should gradually reveal the wizarding world to them."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"Haven't I told you that I recently found myself a capable assistant?" Cyrus raised an eyebrow. "Gilderoy Lockhart."
Dumbledore looked genuinely surprised.
"I recall he brought misfortune on himself and forgot most things."
"Heh~ I healed him while treating Neville's parents. He's not exactly skilled, but he does have a decent head on his shoulders. He'll present the wizarding world to Muggles in the form of stories," Cyrus said with amusement. "What do you think of a little title like Unspeakable Love: Dumbledore and Grindelwald?"
"Ehm.. I'm afraid that might not be... entirely appropriate…" Dumbledore said, feeling a slight pang in his chest.
Cyrus laughed. "Relax. I've already spoken to Harry. Lockhart will write a book called Harry Potter. It'll sweep across the world. Everyone will learn of magic's existence—and dream of receiving their Hogwarts letter."
Dumbledore had never imagined such a method.
The world Cyrus described reminded him of Lily Potter's sister, that Muggle woman named Petunia Evans.
"Muggle has never truly meant someone without magic," Cyrus said softly. "It's always meant someone who doesn't believe in magic, hasn't it?"
He walked over to the Goblet of Fire. The cold blue flames cast a light into his eyes, making them flicker like starlight.
"If everyone believes in magic… then there will be no more Muggles in this world."
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