I find myself agreeing with your assessment, Reylari. I really do wonder about this book as "children's literature." It's getting right up there with television violence. Perhaps, that makes it acceptable. I too found real joy in the first two or maybe three books, which I have re-read. I will certainly follow where she is going but would be happy if Malfoy wouldn't "drawl" and "sneer" quite so much.

Amil