is Dumbledore really dead?

[Kenneth Clark]

No: HPFGUIDX 171647

> drax_orion:
<SNIP>
> There are many possible ways that Dumbledore could still be
> alive, or somehow return from the dead.
<SNIP>
> I think that Dumbledore might be able to transform into a
> phoenix. Such a transformation would coincide with his other
> connections: his pet phoenix Fawkes and then there is his
> patronus, the description of it from book 4 makes me believe
> it is also a phoenix.

Ken says:  As I've said before here it could well be that
Dumbledore's relationship with Fawkes(and with Phoenixes in
general?) is such that he has taken on their attributes. He
has indeed died but subsequently arose from his ashes - remember
his mausoleaum went up in flames and the phoenix shape seen flying
out of them. If this is the case then has he returned with all his
adult faculties, memories and skills intact or will he have to
learn them anew?