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I don't take the subject of evil spirits lightly. I am fairly well versed in the actualities of witchcraft, pagan religions and other non-Catholic religions. I study them and I do not fear them. Except for perhaps Satanism which disturbs me so thoroughly I haven't made much progress there. I saw enough that I didn't wish to go further.

I don't care to go into details here but I do not believe Harry Potter in any way, shape or form could turn a well balanced child into a witch anymore than the fairy tales I grew up on. I am grounded enough in my Faith to know the difference between what's real and what is not. Perhaps if an individual is not then the books would not be appropriate. At the time the first HP book came out, Fox News had an interview with a self proclaimed warlock from Britain. He was upset because of the inaccuracies in Harry Potter. He felt it wasn't real witchcraft at all. I do see your points and they are certainly valid. Witchcraft is real but HP isn't it. That's what I am saying.

I have heard of the book you mentioned and wanted to read it for some time but I have not. I will take a look at the link.

I study them and I do not fear them.

Your other points are all well taken. As I've said, it's still not clear where Harry Potter is going to end up. But I wouldn't give a blanket absolution yet. As to your statement above, I think that to study them is to fear them. This does not represent a lack of faith, but rather true faith in the reality and the power of the supernatural.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Peter 5:8 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

With the aid of grace and we can hope to overcome him. But underestimating the devil is usually a fatal error.

St. Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou O prince of the heavenly host
By the power of God cast into Hell Satan
and all the evil spirits that prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Pope Leo asked all Catholics to say this prayer after every Mass. It was dropped right after Vatican II. Since then the devil has had a field day.

" I do not believe Harry Potter in any way, shape or form could turn a well balanced child into a witch"

With 50% of all marriages breaking up and 50% of all kids now in what once would have been considered an imbalanced social environment, the idea of a well balance child is out moded. Our social fabric has become so fluid with the speed of change and the variety factor that even the most "well balance child" is now exposed to things blatant and subliminal that would have made folks a century ago rise up in anger. There is precious little insulation for childhood these days and the general public has been so desensitized to not even recognize danger on the surface nevermind the psychological level.