(no subject)
Three words: this changes everything. The impact of the end of book 6 will never be the same. Instead of oh damn Snape just killed Dumbledore, it's oh, ok, this was planned. And the amount we find out about Dumbledore's plan changes the way his words/actions will be read.
So many of the chapters were incredibly intense. The balance between OMG and explanations was pretty good I thought. I kind of got tired of the chapters in the woods, so I was happy when they finally left. Dobby's death and the scene at the Malfoy's was crazy. I loved what was done with Kreacher, especially when he came running into Hogwarts leading the house elves. I also found it really amusing when he told Harry to wash up for dinner.
Neville was fantastic. I loved it when he chopped off Nagini's head. I really wish we knew more about what happened at Hogwarts during that year. A view of the year from Neville/Luna/Ginny's perspective would be awesome. JK Rowling is putting together a Potterverse Encyclopedia with back stories and information on what happened between the end of the book and the epilogue. Most of the questions I had at the end of the book were in relation to what happened in that time. Did George continue the joke shop alone? What did they all end up doing? Who became Minister of Magic and head of Hogwarts?
Overall I thought it was a great end to the series. I think the later books are better than the earlier ones. I don't really like SS or COS that much. It's kind of weird that it's done though; I've been reading the books since the first one came out. I remember going to visit my grandparents back when I was maybe 12 or 13 and we couldn't bring the book with us because of my aunt who was crazy against the books.
Anyway, I think I'll need to read it again because it was so intense and then probably reread the whole series. I'm really interested to see what you can pick up having read the final book. I caught a few things having reread the first few a week or so ago (the opal necklace in book 6 that curses Katie Bell is mentioned in book 2 when Harry is in Knockturn Alley).