Having now finished the book, I can understand what you meant by feeling a little disappointed, Liz. I was as well. I'm not sure why. Perhaps like many have said here, there was a lot more that could have been developed. It felt like I was reading the beginning of a summation, where Rowling was making sure all her ducks were in order for the last book, but not really spending as much time as she might have on many of the characters, or even the school year.

But like I said before, I'd be happy if each book were much much longer.

One thing I'd like to add though- I don't think children just read the Harry Potter books and then go back to watching TV and playing their video games until the next one arrives. I do think these books lead to others being read as well. There are many great children's authors out there who are benefiting from the HP books. Off the top of my head, I can think of several writers-Peter Dickenson, Robin McKinley, Diana Wynne Jones, Cornelia Funke, Phillip Pullman, Garth Nix, Phillip Reeve, Lemony Snicket(Brett Helquist) ...just to name a few-who follow in the same mode.

It's about capturing a child's imagination. From there they can go where ever they want in their reading, and I believe they will.