I have read all the books and was shocked when Dumbledore died...
But maybe...just maybe he isn't really dead. I do agree with the parallels to LOTR, but as was said before, if Rowling really wants to give the books an end, she may decide to end Harry's character. I would like to think that he will survive, defeat Voldemort and take over as Headmaster. Who knows...But I can't wait for the next one