The brilliant masterpiece of J. K. Rowling and the journey of Harry Potter finally came to its end... and a proper ending as it should be, for one who has gone through more than any other people -both Muggles and Wizards alike- without ignoring the sacrifices, the price...
In this seventh and last book of Harry Potter, I personally think Jo has overdone herself, every scene, every chapter had a sense of purpose, a sense of living, every character, every known character, had a role however insignificant it might seem, or it may be.
That differentiates the book from the others most is the pace, unlike its predecessors, which tension and pace usually start slowly, or even if it start with a jolt, it usually slowed down or less tenser the next while Deathly Hallows kept building the pace, the tension, never really stopping.
It all started by the meeting of Voldemort and his followers in Malfoy Manor. Snape has gained full trust from the Dark Lord, being seated on his right while the Malfoys, Lucius, Narcissa and Bellatrix were the other way around. A figure was suspended in mid air, and it appeared to be Charity Burbage, a Hogwarts professor of Muggle Studies who -it seemed from outside- resigned from Hogwarts. It didn't take long for us to find out her fate, she was murdered by Voldemort himself, starting the Death Count we -readers- know. From Snape, Voldemort know of the Order of the Phoenix's plan to move Harry to safety, now that he was about to turn 17, a wizard's age where there was no longer any restriction of using magic.
Meanwhile, Harry was prepared to leave the 4, Privet Drive and separated with the Dursleys, now that the charm that protected him was about to lose its strength with his coming of age. It turned out that it was indeed the Order who moved Harry, exactly like Snape told Voldemort, so they were bound to fail, except that they used decoys, turning six of the Orders into Harry. All of the returned, save for Mad-Eye Moody and Mundungus Fletcher, the former, dead; the latter, runaway.
There were few peaceful days, including Harry's birthday and Bill and Fleur's wedding. Rufus Scrimgeour made an appearance, bearing the news that Dumbledore left a will for them. Ron was left a Deluminator -a Dumbledore-made match that can take and give light-; Hermione was left The Tales of Beedle the Beard; and Harry was left his first Snitch and the sword of Gryffindor, only the former that was given to Harry while the latter was supposed to be Hogwarts'. Leaving the first trail of riddles, of clues to the close friends given by Dumbledore. It was when the wedding, not long afterward Bill and Fleur was married, the news came in the shape of Kingsley's Patronus: 'Scrimgeour's dead. Ministry has fallen.'
Using that momentum, the three, went on their own journey to find and destroy the Horcruxes on their own, despite many others who was willing to give them help.
Fear. Uncertainty. Suspicion. Confusion. Frustration. Desperation.
Those feelings were drawn throughout the book, making us tingle with apprehension, wondering if our heroes were going to the right direction, doing the right thing... and it was dark and gloomy. However, there were times, as if to lessen the tension, where we could have a good laugh, mostly due to Ron.
Harry's faith to Dumbledore was put into test, triggered by Rita Skeeter and Muriel Weasley about Dumbledore's childhood, family and friend. Despite the nagging doubt, he followed his instructions by doing everything necessary, from drinking Pollyjuice potion, infiltrating the Ministry, stealing from Umbridge -she's among few old characters who made another appearance in this last book-, moving from one place to another to breaking into Gringgotts.
Ron, being as insecure as always, left them because of their lack of direction, even in the end, being a loyal friend, he returned, by the help of the Deluminator that appeared to have other uses and he became very reliable, as reliable as Hermione could be. Many people were forced into hiding, running away to escape death, especially the Muggle-Borns and the Blood Traitors.
Towards the end, truth was slowly uncovered, the path was clear for Harry which to take. After all the places they went, they ended exactly where they started: Hogwarts. Snape became the Headmaster after Dumbledore and leading along with his fellows Death Eaters and with Harry's appearance, the whole Hogwarts was aroused to fight, both teachers and students, both living and dead. Dumbledore's Army. The Order of the Phoenix. Everyone was prepared for the final battle on Hogwarts ground.
Compassion. Love. Courage. Friendship.
It was compassion that saved Harry from Wormtail. It was love that saved Harry from Voldemort. It was courage that saved Harry from Death. It was friendship that differentiate Harry from Voldemort. There were many other examples of how these have saved lives and given hope, light in the darkness.
If there was one word to describe this final installment, it would be Redemption. Many characters we've hated was shown their other side because of simple act of compassion, of love. Dudley, for the last time showed his gratitude to Harry for saving him from the Dementors. Kreacher, a loyal house-elf who only asked for being treated kindly and fairly. Dobby, a free and proud house-elf with courage beyond his race and size. Percy Weasley, a Gryffindor who didn't afraid to admit his mistakes. The Malfoys, who only wanted to keep their family together. Severus Snape, a Gryffindor-hearted Slytherin. Gellert Grindewald, Albus Dumbledore, those who learned from their past mistakes and do better for the rest of their lives.
Harry was indeed the Hero, not because his super strength, not because he knew more spells or magic than Voldemort, but because of his courage, his compassion, his love, his sacrifice. He conquered his fears. He overcame his fears by facing it, by accepting it, unlike Voldemort did.
But Harry wouldn't be a Hero if he were alone. It was not a single man triumph. None of them were perfect, they were human, they were flawed, but because they're together, they fill in each other.
It never was. It never is. It never will be.
Jo's achievements would be difficult to be achieved by any other authors to come, even not impossible. Every journey has its beginning and its ending. I want to thank Jo, for its achievements... for bringing us the world and the characters we've grown to love and admire...
Thank you very much Jo... Harry will be in our hearts.