Time rewound slightly to a few minutes earlier. After Bellatrix led a group of Death Eaters to the remote village, Kingsley, waiting for news at the Ministry of Magic, received a message from Tonks.
"The Death Eaters have appeared. There are more than fifty of them."
Kingsley immediately reported the news to Scrimgeour. Although Kingsley had anticipated that the Death Eaters would act tonight when those Dark Wizards caused trouble all across England in an attempt to divide the Ministry of Magic's attention, receiving the confirmation still made him breathe a sigh of relief. It meant Albert's predictions remained as accurate as ever, and that was very important.
This was undoubtedly good news for Scrimgeour, who had waited patiently all night. The Aurors, who had been speaking in low voices, took the Vitality Tonics prepared beforehand and, after dispelling the fatigue of their long wait, filed toward the fireplace in an orderly fashion. Using Floo Powder, they traveled to the temporary base in the village.
Apparating directly would easily draw the Death Eaters' attention and prove detrimental to their subsequent plans.
"Our numbers are smaller than theirs, but don't worry!" Scrimgeour listened to the shrill sounds rising from above the village and addressed the Aurors in the sitting room. "Next, we'll follow the plan and coordinate with the Order of the Phoenix to launch a surprise attack on the Death Eaters. I do not want casualties when we hold every advantage."
After saying that, he nodded at Kingsley.
Kingsley took out a Two-way Mirror and contacted Sirius Black. More than twenty of the Ministry's most elite Aurors cast Disillusionment Charms on themselves, preparing to first clear out the Knockturn Alley wizards guarding the perimeter.
"These people are scoundrels hired by the Death Eaters with Galleons. Many have become lackeys attached