Here's a toast to JK! She has created a classic, that I am certain will stand the test of time.
She has gotten an entire generation to READ.
And countless more to write. Among those I count myself. (although I'm older than the genius herself)
I havealways written, but never with such singleminded purpose as when I picked up a pen four years ago after finishing book 5. She has been my inspiration. And now two finished books (neither published) and deeply engrossed in my third, I raise my glass to this brilliant woman for showing us storytelling at it's best. Maybe not the actual writing craft, but the PLOTTING. God, I love her. She's the real hero for me!!!
I read the book in a day and a half as if I was under an Imperius Curse. And yes...one of my favorite lines was the last thing Dumbledore says to Harry before he comes to and must play dead, "just because it's in your head doesn't mean it's not real." I felt this was a personal message to all of us out here. To believe in the power of our imaginations. To love our characters as she has loved hers.
I was awed the way she revisited all her old books through Harry's own wistful feelings and adventures. It was as if she was bidding them all good bye.
One of my favorite parts was definitely when Molly aced Lestrange. My next favorite part was when Kreacher lead the charge for all the house elves. I never thought I would love Kreacher!! I did not shed a tear for Snape. I'm just pleased Dumbledore's trust in him was not misplaced. She had ME fooled and I am so impressed with that. Saddest part: Dobby's death. So well done, to have Harry dig the grave without magic. It really showed the true measure of the man he'd become. That he had a chance to see his parent's pride in him..also satisfying. And the moment Harry reunites with Dumbledore and he says, "Oh you wonderful boy, you brave, brave man!" That was an high point. Here was Dumbledore telling Harry that Harry was a better man than he. I loved that Dumbledore was truly smarter than Voldemort in the end and that Harry had the chance to demystify Voldemort by simply calling him Tom Riddle. Loved that!!!!
Regrets? i would have liked a little more heat between Ginny and Harry. I mean, yeesh. Oh, hello...nineteen years later we have three little Potters?
I would have liked to see Draco be either remorseful or resetnful or something. And I would really like to know what the heck Harry was doing for 19 years. Writing his memoirs???

Yes.. I predict we have not seen the end of little Teddy the werewolf with the very famous godfather. Nothing JK does is incidental. Why even have him exist, kill off his parents and make Harry his godfather? She didn't say she was going to RETIRE, did she? Or that Harry would never make a cameo appearance in another book.
So here's to the genius. Now JK, let's see you do a Bill Gates and put some of that genius money to "the greater good." Like building schools in Africa. Or libraries in Afghanistan. Or just helping satmp out illiteracy worldwide. You have plenty of time on your hands, now.