[coconutt2000]

By the way, I meant to mention Obi Wan Kenobi.

See any similarities between Harry watching Obi Wan being killed in front of Luke, and Dumbledore being killed in front of Harry?

Now the portraits and ghosts are interesting ways for Dumbledore to continue to aid Harry indirectly. Kind of like Yoda and Obi Wan continuing to show up to inspire Luke.

Oh, and word is that JKR started writing book 7 late in 2004. If we're lucky, we might see the next book at the end of next year.

[Not A Snowbird]

See any similarities between Harry watching Obi Wan being killed in front of Luke, and Dumbledore being killed in front of Harry?

Yep. Very similar; if Harry returns to Hogwarts next year, he may find Dumbledore is an even greater help to him as a portrait.

[SuziQ]

Oh, and word is that JKR started writing book 7 late in 2004. If we're lucky, we might see the next book at the end of next year.

She just had her third child. She's taking a few months off of writing to spend time with her, then she'll get back to writing Book 7.