Arthur and Molly.
It occurred to me only last night that one of the Weasley parents would be a good candidate for the chop. They are major characters, but not essential ones. And the untimely death of one of them would provide a lot of motivation for all sorts of character development - giving Ron a lot more reason to hate the killer (whoever, but I assume its V or one of the Malfoys) and more reason to support Harry than just loyalty to his best friend. A lot more motivation for Harry too, as Mrs W especially has become like a surrogate mum for him. Also we know that Harry is going to spend time at the Weasley’s place in this book - a good opportunity?
The manner in which Diggory dies sets up the drama. Simply having a kid win over and adult does not make drama.
Drama ultimately has a reason for being.
Maybe I am an idiot, it’s possible. But I googled just about every combination of:
Harry Potter. Order of the Phoenix. Hagrid and Dumbledore, who dies? Las Vegas Odds on Harry Potter…
And came up dry. (except for sites that are like us, just guessimahtating.)
Maybe vegas doesn’t do betting on books. Although they seem to bet on everything else.
I officially retract all my previous guesses as to who dies. Based on my gut feeling of the moment, I’m thinking that the character to bite the big one will be none other than Professor McG.
Head of Gryffindor house, one of the good, yet strong, professors, and of notable emotional significance to Dumbly (and arguably a mother figure for Harry). A great character, and I can see why Rowling would find it a hard death to write. But I bet you she did. 
And this is the prediction that my friend made that made me realize that McG was the one who would die in book 5: When Dumbledore dies (which he will in book 6 - we all know it’s going to happen), Snape will become headmaster of Hogwarts. It would be a brilliant move for Rowling to make, yet the only way for it to make any sense would be for McG to already be dead and gone.
Yes, I do love prognosticating. Why do you ask?
Can not wait for book 5 to come out. 
42 minutes and counting…
(Just kidding – I Amazoned mine, as it was cheaper)
A few posts ago I gave my reasons as to who might die, and put it in a spoiler box. But your guess is great too. Sparrow. I am thinking it will be either my original or the Mr or Mrs., more likely Mrs.
I precict one thing for sure - after this release, Amazon will be in the black!
In this we vigorously predicted what we thought would happen in The Order of the Phoenix.
I thought I would do the opening kick off for Half Blood Prince as there is 108 days as of today before #6 is released. Mugglenet Countdown Clock
Since everyone will guessing or saying something about a plot line from 1-5, there will be open spoilers ( No Boxes…Gah…those are irritating since most of what is here is a prediction. ) if you haven’t read the series and don’t want it ruined for you then Don’t Read This Thread.)
What we know for sure about #6 ( from JK Rowling’s Site is that it will be shorter than #6 (Whew!) and someone will die.
I think Sirius will be returning in ghostly form.
:smack:
Ignore this. I thought I was starting a new thread.
I am the worst kind of muggle.