Reply #6: yes

[outraged2]

You're right, all that gray area is a big problem - its hard work. This quote sums it up for me:

In the Harry Potter books, as in real life, people don't wear tags identifying their morality. This flies in the face of simplistic efforts to divide the planet into "us vs. them" and "good vs. evil doers." As in our world, mundane corruption and mismanagement builds in Harry Potter's as the general public blindly supports the misguided and malign who employ counter-productive rules and punish innocents while ignoring real threats. Harry, Ron and Hermione overcome obstacles even though many in power won't help and most people refuse to even listen to them.

In typical children's literature, only "bad kids" disobey adults, and they get hurt or into severe trouble. Heroes seldom question authority, and if they do, they quickly learn their folly. Not in Rowling's realistic view. Her heroes repeatedly defy adults, break rules, and exemplify bold courage in the face of oppressive authority. The Potter heroes' "subversive" attitudes refute rigid right wing dogma. Their example - offering loyalty and respect only to those who earn them - prepares young readers to question authority and think for themselves.