Red Lights Reiterated

[snufflesnbeakie]

No: HPFGUIDX 63975

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I know that some of you might think that I'm a hopeful that Sirius 
is not really dead - but I can't get out of my mind "HP Sleuths Rule 
#1" - If JKR reinforces it, she means it (and wants us to remember 
it).

Highlighter in hand, (I know that you've all got yours out too :-), 
I was amazed at how many times JKR refers to the Stunning Spell 
being a red flash of light.  Starting at Hagrid's Hut all the way to 
the MoM.  Numerous times she mentions red light = Stunning Spell.  
All those references can't be there for no reason - I have to 
conclude that she wanted to impress that upon us.  The question is 
what reason is it?

I know that JKR mentions green flashes of light in the battle in the 
MoM, but I was struck at the similarity between:

Tonks battling Bellatrix, Bella feeling triumphant, Tonks falling, 
and Tonks regaining consciousness.
Sirius battling Bellatrix, Bella feeling triumphant, Sirius falling 
(much too easily I think, given his talent), and Sirius. . .

Did Bella change her tactics that quickly?  It doesn't seem so, 
especially given the fact that there were still red beams of light 
that Sirius was dodging from her wand.

I also know that JKR specifically states that Bella's first attempt 
was a red light (that missed) and the second light (color omitted)  
was the one to hit Sirius.  What is the Red Herring here?  Did JKR 
omit the color to bring about the debate as to whether Sirius is 
really dead?  Or did she firmly establish that a Stunning Spell was 
used to make the point that the veil killed (?) him and not 
Belltrix's spell?

As for Dumbledore saying that Sirius is dead, I can envision him at 
some point, looking at Harry through those spectacles, saying that 
Sirius is dead in a more non-traditional sense - i.e. we have not 
seen the last of him.  After all, wouldn't it be a great secret 
weapon for Voldemort to think that the only person that Harry loved 
enough to rescue was dead, but in fact, he is still alive?  
Dumbledore is a pretty good actor when he wants to be. . .i.e. when 
he is carrying out plans to defeat Voldemort.  Voldemort used Sirius 
to get to Harry this time (isn't it funny that THAT would be the 
person to die?), but didn't Dumbledore say that Voldemort can't 
understand love and that could be his ultimate demise?  The surprise 
appearance of the supposedly dead Sirius could play a role in the 
downfall of Voldemort.

Or is my hope fogging my judgement?

Beth