In response to Bones's confusion, Dumbledore took a handful of toffees from his pocket and popped one into his mouth before answering.
"Amelia, do you think England is getting better or worse?"
Bones paused, then gave a fair and objective answer.
"On the surface, it certainly is getting better. Public safety and prosperity have both improved dramatically.
"But from what I understand, all of this is being sustained by bleeding those pure-bloods dry. That carries risks. The pure-bloods won't simply let it go. Once they turn against you, this prosperity won't last."
Dumbledore ate his sweets quickly. He tossed another toffee into his mouth, glanced at Shawn, who was being cheered by thousands, and spoke earnestly.
"No approach can be perfect. Stagnant water only breeds rot. Stir it vigorously, and perhaps it will come alive again."
Bones looked as though she had heard something utterly preposterous. In disbelief, she said,
"Headmaster, is that really you speaking? You never advocated this before. Didn't you want all reforms to proceed slowly and gently? There are so few wizards. We can't afford such upheaval."
Dumbledore turned to look at Bones, the witch who had almost always stood with him through thick and thin.
It really was time to let her in on some of his thinking.
"People change, after all.
"Amelia, you know the state of the wizarding world as well as I do. It's like a battered boat leaking everywhere.
"I used to be like a tinker, patching one hole after another. I thought I could gradually bring Muggles and wizards together.
"But as you know, there was too much resistance. The results were never good, and progress was far too slow."
Complex emotions flickered in Bones's eyes, but she still had her misgivings. She was just about to say something more.