The real action of this book all happens in its last few chapters – up until then, it's a looooong slog for Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they try and figure out how to destroy Voldemort. However, they're not the only ones who've got to stay focused in the name of a long-term goal. Basically, all of the intertwining stories that emerge here are about keeping the faith and staying true to a mission, whether it's Snape's undying determination to stay true to Lily's memory, or Dumbledore's eternal quest for the Deathly Hallows. Perseverance is the name of the game, and all of our characters play it.