Beside the allegations about occultism, some anti-potterists scour the books for other faults. At "Christian Resources Network" (CRN) I found an article which asks: "Are Harry Potter and Hermione Granger good role models? Are there good role models ANYWHERE in the book? The answer is absolutely no. Children (even the good characters) lie, call names, hate, go on adventures in bathrobes in mixed company at 11 years old, steal, and break rules in general."
In response to this, I'd like to quote from Alan Jacobs, Professor of English at Wheaton College:
It is true that Harry is often at odds with some of his teachers, but these particular teachers are not exactly admirable figures: they themselves are often at odds with the wise, benevolent, and powerful Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, whom they sometimes attempt to undermine or outflank. But to Dumbledore, significantly, Harry is unswervingly faithful and obedient; indeed, the climax of the second novel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, turns on Harry's fidelity to Dumbledore.
Moreover, Harry's tendency to bypass or simply flout the rules is a matter of moral concern for him: he wonders and worries about the self-justifications he offers, and often doubts not just his abilities but his virtue. He is constantly aware that his great unchosen antagonist, Voldemort (the Dark Lord, the most evil of wizards and, after Dumbledore, the most powerful) offers temptations to which he cannot simply assume that he is immune. And when Dumbledore mentions Harry's "certain disregard for rules" he does so in a way that links such disregard with the forces of evil, thus warning Harry (though his larger purpose in that scene is to encourage the troubled young wizard). In short, Rowling's moral compass throughout the three novels is sound - indeed, I would say, acute.
A literary character who never makes mistakes and never sins, is not credible and probably uninteresting to read about. No reader could identify with such characters. In fact, it's not at all necessary for Harry Potter and Hermione Granger to be perfect for them to be role models.
Also, the criticism here rests on a warped description. Adolph Hitler was a decorated war hero, a vegetarian, a non-smoker and loved animals. Does that make him a role model? Jesus Christ never had a real job, was a close friend to a traitor (Matthew), vandalized private property (in the temple) and fled the country in order not to be executed by the lawful authorities (Herod). Does that disqualify him as a role model?
CRN accuses Harry of teaching children to use foul language:
Later, when Harry is in the school, he responds to an exciting circumstance by stating an obscenity: "What the ----?" There is indeed a blank after the "the" in the book. But what else could follow such words but an obscenity? This is a common phrase for street obscenities. Do we find the role models in older fictional works for children expressing such language and rebellion? Certainly not.
The fact that there is a blank after "What the" does not indicate that an obscenity was uttered, but that it was NOT uttered. Harry is a role model in that he reacts with surprise but catches himself before he actually says the bad word. And yes, we do indeed find role models in many children's books, who disobey adults and occasionally say bad things.