It also makes you wonder: "loved" by whom, by Rowling or by the readers? Because Rowling is on record as not really liking Snape or Draco, but we all know how worshipped they are in certain segments of Harry Potter fandom. Personally I think it's Remus and Tonks who got the axe, because their deaths were offpage so to speak and therefore an "easy" addition to make. As for the one who got the reprieve, it can be almost anyone who was in any real danger during the battle and that is... everyone. If I had to guess, I'd say Draco.

I never thought she'd kill Harry either, not because it's a children's book (people die in children's books), but because it's a Rowling book and she's always played it fairly safe. Well, I guess that means Dan Radcliffe didn't get his wish for a dramatic death scene, poor lad. *g*