Spells don't exist.
I realize you are probably eager to defend something you enjoy, but I wish you wouldn’t go overboard as you often tend to do.
Spells, and all manner of other diabolical things, exist and the demons are only too happy to be invited thereby to wreak havoc on people’s lives.
Indeed so. This is my main criticism of Harry Potter on a moral level compared to other fantasy, for example the works of CS Lewis, is that in general I dislike fantasy in which a witch, wizard or warlock who casts spells, with a wand or otherwise, is depicted in a positive light. This is particularly the case with juvenile novels. They invite dangerous youthful explorations of the occult; the child who gets a rush from Harry Potter and desires the ability to have magical powers (in the sense of casting spells, vs. illusioneering, which in contrast I think is a healthy performing art talent for children to engage in), is just a Google search away from texts describing dangerous occult practices.
Nor is JK Rowlings a model of Christian piety. There are other much better works of fantasy much more suitable for Christian youth. Harry Potter might be suitable for adults and older teenagers with a correct moral disposition, but even then, there is better literary material, and there are better films. For example, all of the great animated features produced by Walt Disney before his premature repose, and a few of those produced by his successors, particularly during the early years of the Eisner era.
In the past I have joked about having a domestic church with full services from the horologion, assigning the children to the different liturgical functions; obviously I would not actually do that (except perhaps on one occasion if there was enthusiasm among boys for serving in the altar, that they might safely learn how to do things), but I am entirely serious when I say I would caution against the premature reading of Harry Potter and encourage the reading of other, older, better entertainment.
When it comes to children, I think that they should be baptised and raised in the Orthodox faith, encouraged to pursue their natural interests, rewarded for academic, intellectual, athletic and creative accomplishments proportionate to their properly assesed individual ability, not be subjected to corporal punishment, not be burdened with homework but instead complete at school their school work, not be pent up but rather welcomed and encouraged to play outdoors on beautiful days in the spring and summer, well nourished, properly and safely exercised, ensured interaction with peers and playmates, innoculated against diseases, taught decent manners, given the fullest parental love without passive aggression or emotional manipulation, not be granted a tablet device prematurely, nor be given other things potentially harmful, for example, Harry Potter books or certain forms of countercultural music.