parallel read with eldest part V 
 darker themes building in this one 
 many of the safe havens eroding, adults becoming less dependable 
 less hero worship for Harry, viewed with fear and disdain 
 distant Dumbledore and Sirius 
 banned from quidditch 
 conflict with Ministry of magic, misinformation 
 less flattering view of James Potter as a student 
 Delores Umbridge 
 no tidy happy ending, loose ends and inglorious death 
 Harry and crew developing well as often unlikeable, self-obsessed, confused, moany teenagers. 
 interesting to see Neville and Ginny coming into their own