Upon my second reading of this book, I still feel the absolute sense of loss and the overwhelming emotions I felt when I first read this book thirteen years ago. Harry's loss of innocence came at a time for me when I was losing my own childlike innocence and watching my grandmother succumb to Alzheimer's.

Spoiler

I will admit I cried on my second reading today at the scene where Harry decides he will not return to Hogwarts after Dumbledore's death. Harry's innocence is gone and there will be no more reading about silly conversations, boring classes, or peaceful times at Hogwarts.

This book is one of my favorites in the series, just for the ending alone.

I wish I could put my thoughts into better words, but even after thirteen years, I'm still left mostly speechless by this masterpiece of a book. How great it was to grow up with Harry, as each book was published when I was roughly the same age as Harry in each new installment. What a gift.