Dumbledore: he really is still very, very cool. His simple statement that Harry will not be attacked because he is with him, for example. You know it is true. And his cool apparent lack of awareness of their last encounter. And his assurance that if he were a death eater he would be a very thorough one. I believe that. I also really like his comment that "something horrible has happened here", when he already knows that Slughorn is hiding. The "horrible" must refer to Slughorn's cowardice.

Slughorn: I like many of Rowling's non-heroic characters, and this one is no exception. You have to love a man who will use age as a card not to help when faced with Dumbledore. And who still cannot help boasting about how quickly he set the scene. Not to mention the comment about making sure the neighbours not seeing you bring in the piano. I was intrigued by his comment that Voldemort could hardly count him as a friend, however. It struck me that if Voldemort remembers the Horcrux conversation, he should have tried to get hold of Slughorn in order to a: see whether he has told anyone about it and b: kill him before he can tell anyone. It is a wonder that he did not kill him years ago.

Tonks: we get indications that she is heartsick. I sympathise, obviously. While I cannot approve of the turn events take, I understand her perfectly.

Mr and Mrs Weasley: I like her worry, and how she is carrying the large clock around with her, even though the hands are stationary at mortal peril. And I like how he misses the muggle stuff and would rather know how aeroplanes stay up than be promoted. I am sure Hermione could tell him.

Hermione: you'd think her reaction to knowing exam results are coming are a humorous exaggeration, but I am here to tell you it is perfectly realistic.

Narcissa Malfoy: I like how she threatens the trio. Very cool and collected. It provides an insteresting contrast to her appearance in the second chapter.

The twins: I love how their reaction in the face of the fear that is completely swamping everyone else is to laugh and provoke laughter. It is a very effective tactic. Very powerful.

It is unfortunate that some of their work ends up in Draco's pocket.