[EmilyGeiger]

Maybe Harry uses Neville's wand? Since he can't use his own with LV. Maybe the core of Neville's wand has a feather belonging to Fawkes?

[SuziQ]

The actor you were thinking about is Ian McKellan. I believe Sir Ian was considered for the part, but he'd made the commitment with Peter Jackson to do all three LOTR movies, so he was tied up at the time.

Some folks don't like Michael Gambon as Dumbledore, but I like the actor, so I don't mind.

I think Harry can use his wand against LV, but it's only when they're used at the same time against each other that the priori incantatum spell is released. I still think there is much more for Neville. I was disappointed that book 6 didn't have much about him, but I expect he'll feature greatly in the final book; I think he'll come into his own quite nicely. He and Luna might even get together. ;o)