It is interesting how all of them show interest and allow themselves to be slowed down by at least one of the various strange objects they encounter... and tempting to read more into it.

I think it's clear the criterium for hearing the voices is the same as for seeing Thestrals, but what makes Ginny so interested in it when Ron and Hermione aren't... I'm not sure.

If we're going to discuss his view on death, we should also mention two chapters later, when he is mentioned as being dying or sure he was dead twice, and thinks explicitly that death would not be so bad (admittedly, compared to excruciating pain, so he's not exactly thinking clearly).

Definitely.

But in a way less horrible than if someone of the Two Trios had died. They are his responsibility, he led them there, and they are only children besides. Sirius is an adult who came there of his own volition and went down fighting as he'd have wanted to.

Sirius dying is dark enough, but the books would have gone to an even darker place if, say, Neville had died here. Not to mention Ron or Hermione.

I'm not sure. After the build-up, Neville's performance during the fight is far from stellar - he needs this experience to become what he becomes at the grand finale of the final book, but right now he's not exactly a big help.

Indeed she will - a bit too proud, perhaps.

Yeah, agreed, another indication like Dolochov's non-verbal spells that the Two Trios do have a fair bit to learn still. Though as for the duels, you have to wonder why DEs bother with all the lesser spells - and even the tapdancing one, what was that about? - when they can just use the AK and simplify things dramatically. Lucius Malfoy and some others might not have the guts to do that, agreed, but Bellatrix and Dolochov definitely do. Is it just a matter of style?

Yeah, the only consolation is that having one of the rescuers die - even Sirius - isn't as bad as one of the children.

And then he fails to protect Harry, too, who only forces Voldemort out through his emotions. Maybe Dumbledore could've saved the situation again otherwise, but he is unable to prevent it. This is definitely the point where the limits of Dumbledore's power become clear, and where Harry really seriously stakes out his claim to the leadership of the good side. In hindsight, anyway.

No, agreed, it cannot be the same anymore.