It could be that when an unbreakable vow is made the person should be more specific. For example Narcissa says 'And, should it prove necessary...if Draco will fail...will you carry out the deed the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform'.

Maybe Narcissa should have said 'If Draco fails to kill Dumbledore..will you carry out the deed ' for Snape to have died.
Because when they were making the vow, noboby actually says what the deed is. Also, Harry tells DD that he heard Malfoy and Snape talking about the vow, and therefore if Snape is really on the side of good DD would have offered him some kind of protection.

Just an idea, though probably wrong!

I believe that when Narcissa made the Unbreakable vow, she made a grave mistake. Dracos deed was to "attempt" to kill Dumbledore. Tom never thought Draco would suceed, but wanted to give it a try, because to him all he had to lose was a sixteen year old, so when the Vow ws made... rememember this is deep magic and would most likely incorparate Tom's feeling of an "attempt" for the deed that he had given was the topic of the vow. So when Draco appeared to fail at his attempt to kill Dumbledore. Snape "attempted" it, fulfilling the Vow because the killing curse is powerful even when the intention isnt behind it. This would then tie into the above post by KItkat.. of which i would like to comment.

Im glad you posted that article from the site... i believe i have read it before... was it www.dumbledoreisnotdead.com... anyway.... Im glad you posted for I believe that I have exhausted the Dumbledore/Phoenix Theory and was planning on elaborating on the FakeDeath theory I touched on in my first post. Thanks, now i can qoute this post quite easily and continue the discussion

I agree with etphonehome and Albus Dumbledore with the fact that it was not specified what Snape was to help Draco do...was he to help him in killing Dumbledore...was he to help in in fixing the Vanishing Cabinets...it is very unclear and is basically up for interpretation.

Let me leave you with something else also...if you do not buy that it wasn't specified enough..that it was clear what Snape was supposed to do should Draco fail, then I ask.....Do Unbreakable Vows have time limits?

Thats like saying, "Oh I'm sorry I didn't kill Dumbledore this week, I'll get to it next week".

a very good deduction prendy... if it was so specific, then snape should have died when Katie Bell was attacked with the necklace, Snape should have died when he realized that Draco would not succeed and did not intervene

I HAVE JUST THOUGHT OF A FOOL PROOF WAY TO KNOW IF DD I REALLY DEAD!!! (sorry about the CAPS i just think it is really important)--- since draco malfoy was in the tower when snape cursed DD and saw DD fall off the tower malfoy just potentially saw death-- according to OotP malfoy has also never seen death before--assuming that malfoy had not seen death inbetween those time, we know that if malfoy can see thresterals (sp?) then we know that DD is dead, if malfoy cant see thresterals (sp?) then DD is alive!!!

But the major problem is that we'll know if Dumbledore is dead bofore that, and we'll probably never know (To don't say, we don't care lol)

But, for the "attempt' it's true. Last days, I was trying to find something in the Vow, and that's it.

But, for the AK being throwed without any intentoon, for my opinion, is false.
I think it's the Levicorpus. I won't explain cause that's for another thread, Who is Snape Really betraying?

Ok its been nearly two weeks since this has been posted so...

What if Dumbledore didnt have horcrux but different type of immortalitly. We all know Dumbledore is one of the few, or only, person to "tame" a phoenix. Since he and Fawkes are so close, and because of Fawkes nature to be loyal, it could be possible that Fawkes gave immortality to Dumbledore as a gift. This would explain the spectacle at the Funeral and his ressurection would resemble a phoenix but without him actually having to be one. It would also explain the portrait because he is dead for a while, just waiting to come back.

Well I totally agree with you on that, being that Dumbledore is the only one to tame a phoenix which is kinda cool, it could be a gift from Fawkes, could be not.. Or being that hes the most powerful wizard in the wizarding world he could come back to life. When Snape made his own non-verbal spell Dumbledore could of created a way to create an immortality swell, more likely not.. but being that hes the most powerful he can do anything.

The thing about Dumbledore that I cant seem to get out of my mind is all the signs that lead to his resemblance of a phoenix. The things that amazed me the most were his abilities to conjure the whip of flame in such a weakned state, his ability to bring hope to people at the mere sight of him... and mos timportantly his ability to conjure the Gubraithian (SP?) Flame. If im not mistaken it is a huge feat to accomplish and Dumbledore apparently does it with ease to give the Giants. I dont know but there is somethign odd about him and I wont believe until the 7th book that he is truly gone forever

DD ^^ I totally agree with you, hes exactly like a Phoenix, he always figures out ways to get there, escpecially in OotP he found out they were all at the DoM fighting the DE's... Kinda weird. So I agree that I truly dont belive DD is dead until the 7th book.

I'm really leaning both ways at the moment... Sometimes I can see him coming back in some way, shape, or form. But other times it seems so impossible. Who knows JK is full of suprises.

IF HE DOES RETURN:
I am thinking that he will probably return as a ghost. Because when Harry talked to Nearly Headless Nick after Sirius died Nick said that it is not a path many take. However, I don't think that Dumbledore would ever leave Harry. It's probably that Dumbledore knew how much Harry needed him. Especially at this stage of fighting Voldemort. But (correct me if I'm wrong) don't ghosts have to be bound to one place? So would Dumbledore chose Hogwarts? And if he does that could be bad if Harry decides not to come back to school.

IF HE DOESN'T RETURN:
It would probably be because JK wanted Harry to realize that when it comes down to it- It's going to be him vs Voldemort. No help from anyone. He has to concure this by himself and he needs to learn that people love him dearly, so much that they gave their lives.

Would it be possible for Harry to talk to Dumbledore through the potrait in the headmaster's office?

I hope to find that DD is still alive. There are many theories on this such as the Phoenix theory and the Snape and the nonverbal spells theory. If DD is dead, however, I think Harry will return to Hogwarts to speak to his portrait. It's the next best thing to speaking to DD, unless there is something about the portraits that i missed. Also, i thought it was kind of strange that JK didn't elaborate on DD's portrait at the end of book 6 when they are in the Headmistresses office (now that it is Mcgonnagal) it just mentions that there is a portrait of DD sleeping.

Does anyone else think that Harry should go back to school to talk to DD's portrait before going on to search for the remaining horcruxes

I agree that DD seems to have a very special connection to phoenixes. I have a theory about why and started a disussion about it HERE. I won't repeat what I wrote there, but I think that idea could explain all (and explains why I think DD did really die ). Of course it's my theory (yes, I know others have had the same idea), so I'm a bit biased, but there you are.

In quidditch throughout the ages, in the part 'written by dumbledore' Rowling (as Dumbledore) clearly states that he (Dd) should fake his own death rather then writing that part, hello that's not a sign, that's a billboard. Dumbledore is not dead. He wasn't even hit by an avada kedavra. Avada Kedavra makes you drop dead instantly, no side effects no marks (unless of course you pull off a Potter and survive )

or this one


But in HBP we read a different description:

there is a big difference here.

P.S. sorry if anyone else already posted these arguments I didn't feel like reading through all the pages again.

P.P.S. One last thing Mad-Eye (actually Crouch Jr.) told this in GoF:

and Lestrange clearly stated that you have to enjoy causing pain to do an unforgiveable curse.

Ok I dont know about the wholke Quidduitch through the ages thing. Im a strong supporter of the Dumbledore is not dead theory but this seems a little out of context when you actually read the quote.




Here he is discussing what Ideas Madame Pince had for not giving the book to Muggles. Though i will not pass this up because it may be an awesome way to forshadow. Nice find with the quote, i knew I had read that somewhere and you refreshed my memory.

sorry I didn't have the original quote. I've got the Dutch copy of the book by the way, I was thinking could it be that Snape used a non-verbal stunner with similliar effects as the ones described in the book?

I have deleted my original post. Instead, I give you this one, because this is very, very latebreaking news.

I have made a post here on this subject.

here is the deal though:

JK has now spoken on this subject.

fish

I was a very strong supporter of Dumbledore-is-alive theory but J K Rowling broke my heart by saying that he wasn't.
But what about his portrait though? There were no details given at the end of HBP about it.And I think portrait are intelligent enough to give advice because even DD asks for advice frm the previous headmasters through them. May be that portrait is important in the later plot.(I hope so ) Because Harry hasn't learnt enough to defeat Voldemort by himself. Of course one could say that Hermione and Ron are there. But seriously they can't fight like DD did in OoP. And Hermione has said that they are past the stage when they could learn out of books. (OoP) So books aren't going to help. Unless J K is planning to introduce a new character, the only one who could help Harry is DD. (He has to return!! Please say he can return!!! In any form!!)
And if he doesn't. Then Harry should talk to DD's portrait before setting off to find the horcruxes.

the_animagus:


oh i know how you feel.... i feel like we lost him all over again.... i am still hoping for a play on words on JKR's part which leads to a return of Dumbledore... until now we will just have to mourn and have hope

Yes, I was holding out for a reprieve for Dumbledore..when JKR says something its almost like the final nail in the coffin. With the portrait thing, they are supposed to give advice and help to the present headmaster am I right? Well in that case surely for DD to be of help to Harry, he needs to tell McGonagall exactly whats going on?

Just letting people know that this thread WILL stay open for now, as it does include other aspects of Dumbledore returning, such as the portrait and what may come of that.

Please do NOT become critical of the posts previously made in here, as they came about PRIOR to the recent news from JKR.

cheers
~Pix

ATTENTION EVERYBODY...

just because JKR says dumbledore is dead doesn't mean he is gone. After reading book 6 it was a strong belief of mine that dumbledore had made fawkes his horcrux. If I am right, well then he is dead but not gone because he can come back via the horcrux.

thank you Prendy10, i felt I was the only one...... I am still hoping... and wishin... and praying that Dumbledore will come back... my heart is broken after this... but i still have hope... yes Dumbledore definatley being dead is not an obstacle... and there is more than one way to return without pulling a gandalf

I think this thread should be clsed soon or late... DD is dead, and this is to help Harry, even if you don't believe it! Without Dumbledore, Harry will mature and realised what's left to do in the world and what's his responsability.

And I strongly doubt Dumbledore would have done an Horcrux; it's dark magic and he wanted to show everything can be solved by good (not evil, or murder)

well since the topic has two questions and one has been answered quite efficiently but the other question still is quite prevalent and will be until the release of book seven..... i think it should remain open as long as someone still has hope or a theory of how he will return.

I agree Albus, there is more to be discussed. Aside from my theories, which I'm sure many disagree with, but does anyone believe that JKR was caught off guard when asked if dumbledore was dead?? Her response was confusing and finally she just resorted to a yes to avoid further questions. Isn't it possible she told a little white lie? To be frank, I was very very very surprised to hear she had said dumbledore died. Not because of my feelings behind the situation, but because she had just given away a big part of the story and she had not done that before. I think there is more to it then meets the eye.

im not sure what gender you are... but if a female said that to me it would be a pick-up line.... i was so shocked that i thought it was a hoax... i do think she was under pressure and maybe she doesnt know how gandalf truly returned... many think til this day that he never died whihc he did... he was sent back, but if JKR thinks that Gandalf merely fell and let the fellowhip think he was dead then that would explain her statements especially so close to her saying she is quashing the dumbledore alive and hiding business...that leaves that he is dead but will return..

i think he was someone in polyjuice potion, bcause he did not put up a big fight as the real dumbledore seemed would have, especially against snape, but who knows.

I want your opinions on this ttheory if you would like to give me some feedback I would appreciate it.

I think Dumbledore is still alive. If you payed attention to dobby he said that he would throw himself off the topmost tower for Harry. Would he not hear that from a teacher or someone at the school. also if you reference back to the avada kadavra curse if it hit you you would just drop dead right where you were. Instead Dumbledore went flying. I think snape used the words avada kadavra but instead snape used a nonverba curse. like expelliarmus. Also Dumbledores wand was not missing and if you payed attention to the song slughorn was singing about Odo the wand broke n at the funeral when there was no sign of the wand for dumbledore and There was no actually visiual of dumbledore at the funeral. or

dumbledore could also have a horocrux. in the first book on the chocolate frog card dumbledore killed a dark wizard. Could dumbledore create a horocrux? It would make sense. Dumbledore went straight to the idea very easily about voldemort having a horocrux in nagini. Dumbledore could have a horocrux in fauwkes the immortal bird. Dumbledore kinda of has a fire like ability. His picture could have appeared by the belief that he was dead and that he tricked the magic of the pictures.

Also e told Draco that he can hide Draco in ways that Voldemort could not find him and that could be what Dumbledore actually did. Hide himself unknowningly. The funeral like I said could have been to make it seem realistic.


Please view this and give me you opinion.

maybe you havent heard

JKR confirmed that Dumbledore is dead and will not "pull a gandalf" on Aug. 2nd

I still have hope and have fought for all these theories ferociously....

great post though, but it will probably not stay open

I know I said the same thing for Sirius, seeing as both of them were really close to my heart (I mean, I still cry, even now with my future "I cried when Dumbledore died" tee-shirts), but bringing Dumbledore back, the man who said "There's no way to bring back the dead, Harry," wouldn't that just kinda be like hypocritical of him? I always thought he would be there, for ever. It was one of those things that you thought would never change in the book, never; that he would be there for Harry till the end, but sadly, no. "Only one person is known to have survived the Killing curse. And he's sitting right in front of me," and after they'd been so clear on the dead not returning, why would they bring him back. If he does return, even as a ghost, which is doubtful, mostly oweing to the fact that he'd done what he'd set out to do; prepared Harry for what lies ahead, that even a return wouldn't be quite the same. Dumbledore had a great run, he lived many years, and taught Harry what he needed to know, which I believe was the entire purpose of the sixth book. Now, I'm not sure whether or not he knew he was going to die in that year, but when he pleaded with Severus Snape, it was like he knew that he had to die, and was willing to accept it. I think he made Harry stay to watch him die, to not only show him what a Wizzard could do to another, but also, seeing as he laid the curse on Harry before he probably, though its hard to tell with him, ever knew that Snape was comming, for Harry to be witness, for him to know how much he was willing to sacrifice for him. Though the knowlege that, if he had been able to break the spell, he could have saved Dumbledore, will haunt him for probably forever, seeing as Sirius still haunts him to this day, he also has added incentive to destroy the Dark Lord. Dumbledore did what he wanted to do; prepare Harry before the inevitable hapenned. I believe that Dumbledore knew Harry would leave sooner or later, especially after Sirius' death, and now that Dumbledore is gone, everything he'll see, everything at Hogwarts will remind him of those he has lost, and how much he wants revenge. So, in a long answer to a short question, yes, Dumbledore is dead, and no he will not return, at least not in this life time.
Revenge is one of the strongest emotions; anyone, even the most self-contained person, would kill their best friend in the sake of revenge. Its a natural human emotion, we can't help but to feel it, and once it takes a hold of us, as it always does, Revenge never rests until it has feasted of the Triumphs, and Spoils of its war.


~La MaitressedeMort

[Mod Note]

I've merged the newly openend "Dumbledore is not death" topic (started by Dumbledoreisalive) into the excisting "Is DD really dead? Will he return?" thread. Feel free to use this thread for everything that's related to DD's dead and theories about his return. (I know, JK said he really is dead, but that doesn't mean there's nothing more to be said ).

Let's keep the discussion going then.

I understand your opinion La MaitressedeMort but does it not seem fishy of the avada kadavra curse throwing DD off the tower. Voldemort was also considered dead and he came back but that is different. What if DD actually had his own horocrux and the other half of DD died but the horocrux didn't so DD would still have half a soul.There is really no way to tell and JK rowling has thrown people in loops before

well it would be pretty awesome is he comes back but JK Rowling Says he will not be returning in the last book. and that made be kind of sad. but she also did say some one gets a reprieve. so i am thinkinf Sirius Black will come back but i dont think he will come back in his regular form i think he might come back as something else i dont know. we will find out in the 7th book i guess.

Well, my oppinion is that he will not return i also know for a fact, that he will not come back, i have msn messenger, and there are videos you can watch, and one was an interview with J.K.R and she said he was deffinatly dead and not going to pull a 'gandalf' you know, because gandalf the grey became gandalf the white, its too bad, because i liked Dumbledore, now who will help harry defeat L.V

yes, but the one wuestion is is that is it the truth? Did it sound right when she said? Was she surprised and made something up as being caught off gaurd? there are many possibilities and I am trying to figure things out more or so through the book not interviews what are your opinions.

I'm really not sure about this, I want to believe he's coming back; Dumbledore was my favorite character, but J.K. Rowling stated that he is, in fact, totally gone.

But, I think a few things are a bit fishy. And J.K. Rowling is quite a sneaky woman. She could maybe say Dumbledore is indeed dead, but, have a loophole in her words somewhere.

For instance, I was talking to my mom, coincedently, about Pheonixes yesterday. And I'm sure many of you know this or someone's already mentioned it, but the Pheonix represents rebirth. They burst into flames when they are ready, and then they are reborn from the ashes. Dumbledore seemed to burst into flames at his funeral, didn't he? I hope I don't sound like a hopeless Dumbledore fan in complete denial,

---But, is that not totally weird? Why did Dumbledore have a Pheonix, a bird in which he was very close to, a bird in which represents rebirth? Why at the end of Half-Blood Prince does it say a Pheonix's song echoing the grounds and not particularly Fawkes's song? Why would J.K. Rowling include Dumbledore's close connection with Fawkes, if it didn't mean anything?

Maybe I'm being ridiculous, but, he just can't be gone.

<3

Also...Fawkes--As in Guy Fawkes. He attempted to blow up Parliament in 1605 to make a statement about the Puritans in England at the time --Wait, no, it was to assasinate King James I, and to try and change the way of the government. Do you think that the name Fawkes has any sort of relation to Guy Fawkes?

<3 That'd be far-fetched maybe.

I get the fawkes thing, really. It makes sense. But the way I understood the flames was that they were reminicent of the burial practice of burning a body upon an altar or sending it floating upon a raft put out into a river or the sea, and then setting it aflame. This ancient practice of burial was prominent in england in the middle ages, and the fire at the funeral seemed to reflect this.

-fish

good idea Sirius.James I like it but I have a little more to add. Fawkes was close to dumbledore like you said correct? another question before I tell you what I'm thinking. Why would Dumbledore quickly assume that nagini voldemort's snake was a horocrox? one person answer this i will give you want my theory is on this piece of information

I would have also like to believe like a die hard Dumbledore fan that he is not dead and would return but JKR broke all of those by mentioning that Dumbledore would not return. I had gathered quite a number of points to support that Dumbledore would come back, like his close relation to the phoenix and when the spell hit him, his reaction was unlike Avada Kedavra, that is not just drop dead but thrown away and when he is lying at the base of the tower, and harry comes across the locket, JKR says in her book that the locket opened up due to the force of the spell that meant that the spell hit the locket and the Killing Curse was performed on the locket and not on Dumbledore....these were my jusitifactions for Dumbledores return but I guess death is but another adventure for him as he said in book 1 and JKR is not getting him back.

ok again lets's forget avbout what J.K. Rowling said but to what there is in the boks and maybe movies. back to the questiona t hand and pleaase answer this Why would Dumbledore so quicklyu accept that Voldemort but a horocrux in nagini? please let's get this moving

Well, he probably had that assumption because Voldemort never went any where without Nagini. Nagini was always with him. He was very close to her, she was, perhaps the only thing Voldemort has ever been that close to; could this in fact be because Nagini contains part of his soul? It's a logical conclusion.

Dumbledore could not have created a Horcrux [if this is indeed what you're getting at, Dumbledoreisalive] it'd be devistating. It would contradict his kindness and patience--He's not afraid to die. I don't believe he felt the need or want for a Horcrux ever, in his life.

It's extremely dark magic, the darkest. I can't stress enough how much I don't think Dumbledore is capable of the desire of such a thing. I guess it's possible, Dumbledore having 'defeated' the wizard that is named on the back of the Chocolate Frog card in Harry's first year. But, does 'defeated' really mean killed?

I don't know...I just don't think Dumbledore had any intention to make a Horcrux for himself, it would be just too uncharacteristic.

<3

your a quick one Sirius.james and you guessed what i was getting at. I know it said defeated but what if it did mean kill part of his soul could be so broken because of that that he had to put it somewhere else. and it would only be one horocrux if possible. secondly fawkes is very close to dumbledore and would never die so a pheonix would be a perfect spot to put a horocrux in if hed had one. again could he have been so depleted with that part of his soul knowing what he had don if it were so? Also rember when he was sorry for something. Another question for you. why would the aveda kedavra curse throw Dumbledore off the tower instead of falling down to the floor?

As for Dumbledore being thrown off the tower by the Avada Kedavra curse, perhaps Jo made a mistake, or maybe it wasn't the Avada Kedavra curse.

<3

I am going to agree with you dumbledoreisalive...I have already stressed my views in this forum a few pages back on why dumbledore would use fawkes as a horcrux. For everybody else who believe otherwise, I understand that horcruxes are dark magic. Believe me, I understand completely. If you were to explain horcruxes to anybody, doesn't have to be a HP fan, and you told him or her that horcruxes were dark and so forth and then you were to describe dumbledore's character and then ask could you combine the two (dumbledore and horcruxes) they would say no. But I believe I have looked at dumbledore's character very closely. And I am going to tell you my view further...

Lets start from "dumbledore is dead". Ok, now that brings voldemort out into the open and unafraid. DD would not have this...he's been trying to get voldy out into the open for 2 years. So what happens next? He dies. Voldy comes out. He uses his horcrux. He is reborn 'somewhat'. It would make perfect sense. Now, I am not saying this would cause a final voldy vs. DD battle..that would be left to harry...but it changes or should I say screws up voldemort's plans BIGTIME.

Back to DD's character. If you were to say he is not capable mentally wise in using such dark magic, I ask you, wouldn't he do it for the common good (aka voldemort's destruction). Trust me, don't look at it from the angle of "he is not afraid of death, he wouldn't cheat it" you're right he isn't afraid of it. What he is afraid of is his Order lot getting their butts kicked in by voldy and his death eaters. Its not a matter of cheating death, its a matter of doing what is right.

And now I will sit back and listen to the disagreement.......

There will be no disagreement Prendy, I believe myself to be one of the fiercer Dumbledore is not Dead theorists/ supporters, but Im sorry to say that JKR herself said Dumbledore is dead, and will not be "pulling a Gandalf". Believe me Prendy, I wish with all of my heart that Dumbledore could come back... that JKR never told us this information on Aug 2nd.... that he never died... But if we do not want to face the facts given to us by the author... what then do we have.

One could say by saying he wont be "pulling a gandalf" could mean he wont come back like him.. I really wish it were true...I will always support these theories... forever


If you want some more Ideas, look a couple pages back for my posts in this thread.... I was quite an avid theorist...


~Albus

I have watched the video in which JKR has stated dumbledore is truely dead and guess what...I'm not buying it. Her response was jumbled and she was thrown off by the queston as if not expecting it. She may have told us the truth from a certain point of view. That view may be yes he's dead... doesn't mean he cannot return. Now for her comment on pulling a gandalf... gandlaf didn't use a horcrux to return, that would be pulling a dumbledore.

The reason I'm going against everything JKR said in that interview is because I'm using all the evidence from the books to base my theories. I cannot see what JKR would instill false-pretenses, it just doesn't make sense.

Now, should dumbledore not return in anyway, I understand. I would not deny that killing off DD gives harry a greater challenge to go on alone...once again I'm just stating with the evidence she has provided i still can't see how she just came out of the blue on such a vital topic and said dumbledore was dead. Her reasons should what she said have been 100% true, will remain to be seen.

Now thats the spirit Prendy, even though I am steeling myself for the highly likely chance that JKR is telling the truth, i have dwelled upon possible play on words from JKR herself... I completely agree with you Prendy that the book evidence points irrefutably to the return of Dumbledore in some way... I really hope it was a mistake/toying of our minds on JKR's part... thanks for keeping up the faith Prendy, and Im glad that one more person is added to the ranks of thsoe who will refuse to believe this is the end of our beloved mentor, leader, headmaster adn friend.. Albus Dumbledore

~Albus

Now that's the point, isn't it? Dumbledore needed to die. He needed to not be there at the end. It would actually hurt the plot if he came back, if dumbledore came back to save Harry from his fate. Harry needs to face it alone, so Dumbledore can't be there. Jo actually spoke on this point in the leaky cauldron/mugglenet interview:



What JK is saying is that, for the plot to work, the old wizard with the beard has to get it. And why bring him back if you are going to do that, if you are going to commit to killing him off? It doesn't make sence, really. Dumbledore needed to die, and he needs to remain dead. Rowling's hero is Harry, and Harry has to fight the battle. If Dumbledore is alive, why would harry fight voldemort? Because the words of a prophesy? Dumbledore put no stock in the prophesy. That was his whole point. "It is choices that make us who we are." Dumbledore needed to be out of the way. Harry will fight Voldemort because he is the only one left who has the knowledge and the determination to kill Voldemort.

"dumbledore is definietly dead." That much we know, because she said so point blank. Feel free to distrust her, but remember that she has never lied to us before. As you say yourself, it makes no sense for her to lie. Why would she do that?

Now, on why she would come out on the issue of dumbledore really being dead: Rowling has stated that she only comes out on issues that are not profitable, that she feels do not need to remain. While many people strongly want to believe it is so, Rowling obviously felt that a fan expecting Dumbledore to be alive would be unprofitable. She said that she wanted us to go through the five stages of grief, to get over the sadness and the denial and move on. That makes sense. Note that she has yet to speak out on the Snape issue, flatly refusing to do so. That's because there is still relevence to this, profit to it. If snape is really evil, she still may be planning on playing up the question. Perhaps Hermione will be pondering the possibility, willing to give him a chance. She never wants to believe that a teacher would be doing dark work. She would be the first to give Snape the benefit of the doubt. I can see benefits of this plotline. Theorys of dumbledore being alive do not serve the same purpose here.

Now my question: what actual facts from the book are you pointing at that make you question Jo's honesty? From what I can see of your post, you say two things:

Fawkes wouldn't have cried so much simply from dumbledore being dead.

Dumbledore knowing voldemort's style is not sufficient explanation of how he was able to get through to the island.

On the first thing, I would like to point out that Fawkes was fiercly loyal to Dumbledore, as you say. Wouldn't he have been heartbroken over the death of the master he loved so much? And wouldn't the cheering quality of his song cheered up the students Dumbledore loved so much? Fawkes wanting to ensure the students felt better makes sence. Fawkes defends those that defend his master.

On the second, what dumbledore found was not so vastly surprising. He probobly guessed that Voldemort would have put inferi in the lake. He knew that voldemort would want to trap any powerful wizard who found their way there to find out how they got there. So he knew that there had to have been a boat. So he finds the chain leading to the boat, and draws it up. It's not a big strech to think of dumbledore being able to figure this out.

Fish

Very good atleast we all view that in the books it is possible for Dumbledore to return. To the gandalf part I agree that "pulling a gandalf" is one thing but doing it in a different way would not be a gandalf. I see that he old man had to die to push harry away so that he can face Voldemort on his ow. But if Dumbledore is not dead but helps Harry in away that is unkown. I fDumbledore was to help Harr get rid of the horocrux without Harry knowing it and then let harry fight Dumbledor ewould that still fit the point? Could there be mixes on the words? I think that there are always loopholes around words. Now there are also many theories on how dumbledore would come back so who thinks what and see what the differences are becausse I believe dumbledore has an horocrux.