I reall didn't have a problem with any of the deaths aside from Bellatrix. The way Harry killed her kind of creeped me out. I look forward to seeing how Hermione is turned and where that leads.
I say you pair them up but keep it from being terribly mushy or romantic. But, I think there is a valid need for companionship lantrisi or not. Hermione offers that to Harry because nI think she is the only character with a fierce enough will to make it work.
Thanks for writing,
Matt