My wife and I both agreed after reading Book 5 that Harry was still being written like an 11-year-old, and not a 15-year-old. In Year 6, we finally see Harry acting his age, and for that I'm an appreciative reader. Most teens are smarter and more mature than we give them credit. All the more so in the wizarding world, where most "come of age" at 17 and simultaneously get the equivalency of their college degree through the passing of their N.E.W.T.s. Wizards are positioned as simply being more mature than muggles on the whole. Add all the trials and horrors Harry has personally faced, and his attitude and manner of speech didn't fit his character in Book 5. Now that is all gone and he talks and acts like a young man of his age who's seen the stuff he's seen. That made me want to give a damn about his character.
Moreover, without being force-fed angst as we were last go-round, I think the angst Harry does portray in this book is much more believable. Mainly, because he is confident in himself and his beliefs, and is bothered when nobody listens to him. It's not this gut-wrenching whineyness (like Anakin in Ep II) but rather a frustration with authority. Without having to hit us over the head by saying this, it is clear that Harry recognizes what he does and what he doesn't know. Moreover, he knows he is right about certain things he believes, and is frustration stems from those around him who refuse to listen.
He knew Malfoy was up to something really bad.
He knew Malfoy was in league with Voldemort.
He knew Snape was not to be trusted.
Maybe more has yet to be revealed, and certainly Dumbledore knew more than he let on. Dumbledore's actions most certainly will have had a purpose by the time Book 7 is told, but it doesn't take away that Harry was, on many counts, absolutely right in his assumptions.
The head-scratching questions we'll be left with are:
Will Harry, Ron and (especially) Hermione return to Hogwarts to pass their N.E.W.T.s? Or are they really dropping out of school to hunt the remaining
For those detractors of Harry Potter, I have to ask, have you actually picked up the books and read them? Or does your opinion merely come from a movie adaptation you don't happen to like? Or does your opinion merely come from hearing the opinions of others? Others who, quite probably, have dubious reasons for vocalizing dislike for the story.
There's nothing lazier than making your mind up about a story you've refused to read yourself.