[wendybeth]

I don't agree that Dumbledore's dead- I think the sleeping portrait and Fawkes' absence are two big clues to the contrary. I don't think it's wishful thinking on my part: either she's gone to a great deal of trouble to throw in so many red-herrings, or Dumbledore is going to pull a Gandalf. Remember, he worked with Nicholas Flamel for many years and if anyone knew how to get past death it was Flamel. Also, like Harry's mom, he sacrificed himself out of love and that is supposed to be the greater power.