Finally finished reading
This may well be my favourite book of the series. Primarily because the climax packs the sort of punch I've not felt in the series so far. High emotion and a sense that a turning point of great magnitude has been reached. Harry's feeling of loss was horrible and very well written. You can feel the emptiness and the solemn, unwavering devotion to the task ahead. The death of Sirius was not really a life-changing event for Harry, but this was. The order of the world we've known has been thrown into chaos.
Seeing Dumbledore actually in trouble, suffering and dependent on Harry, was thrilling for a character who's always seemed in total control before. I am disappointed however, that Richard Harris, who WAS Dumbledore, cannot portray the character really getting interesting. He was perfect.
On finishing the book, I was stunned by Snape's apparant murder. Thankfully Eru was able to direct me here and show me that infact it's more likely he's still a good guy. What a fascinating character! And Malfoy too.. I never saw this twist to his role coming. It's unfortunate though that Malfoy lost all his dignity in the film version of PoA. I don't know if I can take him seriously in the films anymore after seeing him screaming like a girl, which is such a shame with his great material to come.
Dumbledore has to be dead. If he's not, then I will feel horribly manipulated by Rowling, and the end of book 6 cheapened beyond repair.