I completely agree with what you said about it being weird if Harry died since we've always had the story from his point of view. My mom and I were talking about that the other night and saying that it would be odd to have it suddenly just... blank out or something. Plus the chapters you mentioned that have been the exceptions to this rule have always been at the beginning. It would be strange, probably disappointing and a dead giveaway that he's about to die to have one at the end that suddenly took us away from Harry. I hope it doesn't end like that.

I like to think that the books have always been hopeful despite all the traumatic and horrible things that have happened. Harry doesn't deserve to die or lose more loved ones. Sure life isn't fair but hasn't he had it rough enough already?

Anyway have fun at your midnight party and reading the book =]