[SilverTurtle]

Finally,
I can come into this thread without worries about spoilers.

Some random thoughts:

• The Death:
  
  Totally freaked out when Mrs. Weasly was crying over Ron- until I remembered about the bogart. Was almost shaking when Mr. Weasly was injured. Then kept thinking it was Hagrid. When it finally got round to Sirius I was like, "did Sirius just die? oh.". Let's face it, he hasn't had a WHOLE lot of character development, not compared to other characters. While I feel bad for Harry, I personally am way more attached to Lupin, McGonagall, Dumbledore, etc. And I think it's important that Harry doesn't have any immediate family- keeps him out of the 'normal' rules for the rest of the Potterverse. Although it seems that one of his friends is going to have to go in one of the next 2 books.
  
• Hermione- quit hating that girl. You know girls develop faster than boys, so of course she's more level headed & emotionally developed than her 2 best friends. And we all know she's a know-it-all, but one with good intentions. I was alarmed that she walked Umbridge ito the centuars - thought it was quite out of character.
  
• Harry- can we say angry? Yikes. There were times I thought he deserved a good smack across the head. I think he'll get even more interesting from here on out.
  
• Fred & George- likeable enough, they've never been favorites of mine. But I loved them in this book! Also think it's cute that Flitwick keep the memorial to them roped off, AND during one of their demonstrations Hermione mentions that a particular item required some pretty advanced magic. I think the twins are more powerful than anyone's considered & may play an important role as the battle unfolds
  
• Lupin- more, please. I can't believe he won't be in book 6. At least he's not going to be killed in the next one I guess
  
• Snape- still not trustworthy, still intriguing, still worthy of his own series I think.
  
• Dumbledore- I was also shocked when he showed weakness. I loved the scene between him & V. Love the idea of him simply walking through the veiled curtain at the end of Book 7- perfect for him.
  
• McGonagall- I think we're about to see something awesome from her. Also the logical replacement as Headmaster of Hogwarts when D does go on.
  
• Neville- there's always been something about him. I've always felt he was actually quite gifted, but as someone else mentioned, just afraid to let it out. When I read the prophecy & D said there were 2 possibilities, I at first thought he was going to say Draco. But when he said Neville I actually got chills. I loved how much he was developing in the D.A. meetings. I think he's going to get to avenge his parents, and possibly find the plant/potion combination to cure them. <-- we know he's a pro @ Herbology & Harry said during the O.W.L. for potions that Neville looked totally like he knew what he was doing.
  
• Ron- so happy he was made a prefect. And hope he continues to improve at Quidditch. If only Griffyndor gets some better beaters. Have a feeling he's going to become even better & braver, and help Harry in book 7 & possibly be the one to die. But I hope I'm wrong.
  
• Tonks- LOVED this new character! Hope we see lots of her- I definately see her being a big sis character to Harry.
  
• The D.A.- I think this is awesome. One of the few times in the books I wasn't slightly annoyed with Harry's moods. Telling that no Slytherins have joined. Hope that the D.A. continues.. kind of a jr. OofP.
  

Okay, so that was lots of thoughts. *Eagerly awaiting book 6*