In the conference room at Defense Association headquarters, Albert was holding an emergency meeting. The Defense Association members who had come to attend could all clearly feel the oppressive atmosphere in the room.
"I think you've all noticed that The Dark Lord and the Death Eaters are expanding their influence without restraint. Many Muggles have already become innocent victims at the hands of the Death Eaters."
Seated at the head of the round table, Albert spoke a load of meaningless platitudes.
"I anticipated the current situation long ago, but it's still a very helpless matter." Albert raised a hand to stop the commotion and motioned for everyone to quiet down. "After Dumbledore suddenly died, no one could make The Dark Lord feel that his life was threatened anymore. He would no longer act with the same caution and restraint as before."
"Not even you?" Lee Jordan knew exactly how formidable Albert was.
"I would never be arrogant enough to think I could make The Dark Lord wary of me." Albert shook his head. "This is an inevitable process. The collapse of the Ministry of Magic is only a matter of time. You must be prepared to face the impact."
"But how could the Ministry of Magic... suddenly collapse?"
Angelina was deeply shocked and confused by Albert's prediction. She simply could not understand why a Ministry like that would collapse.
"That's perfectly normal, because the Ministry of Magic has become an obstacle to The Dark Lord." Albert lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingers, drawing everyone's attention. "If Scrimgeour possessed Dumbledore's level of ability, the Ministry would naturally remain unharmed."
"Unfortunately, Scrimgeour is merely a rather capable Auror. He is completely outmatched before The Dark Lord, so it is only a matter of time before the Ministry falls under his control."