Snape: The scene where Harry catches up with him is again delightful. He keeps him from using an unforgivable curse (an not for Snape's own sake alone, I think). And it is only when Harry calls him a coward that he reacts with anger (and, considering what he has just been through, you cannot really blame him at that point). And it is when that is repeated (mixed with the attribution of blame for the death of Lily (Harry refers to his father, but that entails the other), which probably makes it worse) that he really loses it. He intervenes to stop Harry being tortured, and he keeps instructing him all the way. How anyone could actually believe Snape was a bad guy is beyond me.

Lupin: the description of his reaction to the news of Dumbledore's death is surprisingly effective. The exclamation, disbelief, the utter grief. I believe it. It is not fancy, a masterpiece of prose. But it is again that snapshot quality. The description of actions, then Harry's gloss. Lupin is the one who has continually relied on Dumbledore the most, I think. I mean, they all do, but there is something extra there. Dumbledore is the one who takes him in and allows him to form part of wizarding society in a way he would not otherwise have been able to do. It is he who provides him with the opportunity to have friends. He is the one who gives him a job, and it is to avoid giving him trouble that Lupin leaves. There is a very strong connection there, and I cannot help thinking that the idea of Dumbledore is what makes it possible for Lupin to go under cover. And then this.

And, all right, so the scene with Tonks is fine. That does not mean I am convinced.

Hermione and Ron: their reaction at the mention of Draco's disarming Dumbledore. It is both oddly satisfying and sad. They have been downplaying Harry's assurances this whole time, and now he is proven right by Dumbledore's death. Which makes them, not partially responsible, of course -- we know that is not the case, as Dumbledore had control of the situation -- but it must feel horrible.

The Order: their shock at Snape's apparent treachery is of course understandable, and McGonagall's almost fainting made it very apparent. But I am a little surprised that they are all so ready to stop trusting Dumbledore's judgement now he is dead. Yesyes, being killed by Snape does look very bad, but still. Then again, if any of them had as much as uttered any suggestion that there might be another explanation, I suspect Harry would have gone mental.

Mrs Weasley and Fleur: one of Fleur's finest moments, I think. And it re-establishes her character, taking us back to who she was in the fourth book (at least in my mind) -- seeing her through the distorting lens of Harry via the Weasley women has suspended the strong part of her character, but here it is back. "I am beautiful enough for the both of us" is an excellent line.

Luna and Neville: again, they are the only ones who fought with them. It is tied to their being the only ones who are not too busy with other things, but I think there is more to it than being friendless.

Scrimgeour: not his best move talking to Harry at the funeral. He isn't quite a diplomat.

Ginny: I am suprised at how accepting she is. His point is a good one, of course, but still.