It's becoming quite a streak, in fact, when you add her timely modification of Harry's face and her keeping her act up under Bellatrix' Cruciatus. It's interesting that while Hermione is developing into a kick-ass heroine in the best Willow tradition, Harry somehow manages to become less dependent on her rather than more (at least to get things done and figure out what to do; emotionally, I guess he relies more on her than before). Similar story with Ron.

I'm not entirely convinced there. Even if I forget my disgust with the Hallows for a moment, you have to say Dumbledore does leave a lot to chance if he really wants Harry to use the Hallows against Voldemort.

Hard to argue with that.

You have. He's a good guy, always has been, so he was always going to come to his senses eventually.

For someone who loves mauling people and turning them into werewolves, it definitely does.

Harry's claim that only "top tier" DEs get the Dark Mark is also interesting - definitely not the idea we got earlier on. I suppose it would make more sense if such was the case now, now that there is no shortage of candidates I'm sure, but then how would Harry know? Actually, how does he know either way?

Do you figure the difference between him and his father is that Lucius, even after Azkaban, still hasn't faced the darkness the way Draco has? Or it could be a real difference in character, yeah.

It's rare that she really seems insane as in not knowing what she's doing, though. She's instable, volatile and paranoid, but while one might call that mental issues, it's not what most people would call "insane".

I'm kind of with Harry on that one: when your loud yelling is not helping and only sabotaging's Harry's attempts to get out quickly, you really should shut up.

Heh, yes. He really is annoying - not as much as earlier, but still. Though Harry proves again how right he has his priorities by ignoring the annoyance and seeing only the courage and dedication.

Yeah, I'm still yawning about wand lore, sorry.