Trying to look at it as Rowling sitting by her kids bed telling the story, even though by this time the HP thing is probably far removed from those roots, I found it interesting. She tied good, not to everything you do, but to love.
Love, as in compassion and desire not to hurt people as well as regret if you do.
I think Dumbledore believed Snape would save him from the poison when push came to shove. That's why we were exposed to Snape's vow to Malfoys mother so soon in the book. Since the beginning of the series Dumbledore was always the fount of truth, justice and the wizardry way so we were told early on in this book that unlike the Pope, Dumbledore was fallible.
It's now been set up so in the next book Harry has to fight Malfoy who he has beaten, although I'm guessing Malfoy may turn out to be an ally.
Harry has to fight He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Fucked-With, who he has beaten and is only a seventh of his former self.
More worrysome is Snape who Harry has not beaten and is definately a powerful wizard.
It's always a let down to realize I've finished the book. Finishing the next one will be a real bummer.
