I've read through all the HP books this summer after relenting after the release of the last book.
While JKR spins a competent tale and conjures up (
) some compelling characters, I fail to see why folks, especially certain Christians, get into such a to-do about these stories.
There is absolutely no magic in HP.
Let me say that again.
There is absolutely no magic in HP.
How can I say that about a book about a world full of wizards, witches and magical creatures?
Because if you read the books carefully JKR uses the same technique in her books as Star Trek does in its stories - handwavium.
How does warp drive work so Kirk and Spock can get to the next star? Handwavium! It works because it has to work for the story and that's good enough.
How does magic work in HP? After reading through thousands of pages I have no clue, other than - handwavium. It works because it has to work for the story and that's good enough.
I think the major objection to HP is that it teaches children magic.
HP can't teach children magic because the books don't contain any magic. Wands may as well be phasers and broomsticks shuttlepods for all the effort that's put into explaining how they work (which is none).
Even Snape's potions are handwavium, as you only get incomplete pictures of what the ingredients and instructions are and no explanation whatsoever as to why any of it could possibly work. Handwavium - it works because it has to for the story.
HP could have been 'Boy Scientist on Mars in the 25 and 1/2 Century' for as much as any kids is going to learn about supposed secrect-hidden-uber-mad-skills for doing cool stuff.
HP isn't magic, but what it is is decent, character driven fantasy that resonates with some element found in all people I think - the desire to be more than we are, to have a purpose and make a difference in life.
Did the Pope read the books? 
