I'll admit that never got into Harry Potter enough to see all that you did Author_By_Night, though I was quite sad when Remus died. It always felt it a bit wrong that Harry lost most of those he could rely upon. I couldn't see any particular reason for Remus's death especially. It felt like just a way to make the ending that more heart rending. And that, is never a good reason.

That said, you, well as the other commenters here, have given me food for thought. It has been a long time since I have read such a discussion on Harry Potter, and I have enjoyed it.