I've read all the books (even the fake ones) and I classify myself a Harry Potter fan.
In answer to your questions.
Is Harry's parents really dead?
Yes they are. J.K. Rowling also said that there would be no live James or Lily Potter in any of the stories that she writes.
Is Harry's Godfather really dead?
Well watch The Prisoner of Azkaban and you tell me
Oh and btw, Harry and Hermione are SO gonna hook up in the 6th Harry Potter book. I can just see it coming a mile away
