Yes, of course. Regardless of what the author says the metaphor itself is there for interpretation by the reader. It just so happens that the vast, vast majority of the fanbase interprets it one way.

That's all fine, though - it's just one thing to go against the vast majority of readers' interpretations (including the author who, regardless of influence on canonical interpretation, does carry some clout as she continues to write canonical texts set within the same universe).

It is another to make statements that you assert as fact, and that are not subjective, that are objectively false. /u/DOLEZALforprez's statement that you are "just plain old fashioned incorrect in a number of ways" is true.

It is a wholly other thing to accuse all those who disagree with you of bigotry and ignorance, when the overwhelming evidence supports the popular interpretation.

I'm a bit disturbed at how many HP fans seem to casually exclude the millions of other people that were also killed in the Holocaust. It wasn't just the Jews.

As well as

Saying this really shows a lack of understanding (or none, actually) as to the differences between the Nazis' view of Jews, and the Death Eaters' of Muggle-borns. Why, I'd even say it's like comparing Hermione to Anne Frank.

I am frankly somewhat shocked that we moved from a discussion of metaphors within a book series that is near and dear to all of us, to you accusing me and others of horribly disregarding the deaths and suffering of people during the holocaust. In fact, I take it as an affront and a personal attack for you to say that I am so ignorant and callous as to disregard millions of lives for the purpose of making a point.

The disagreement as to interpretation of the metaphor was fine - I love discussing literary devices such as metaphor and allegory in Harry Potter, and I love doing it in a vibrant way. I have a thick skin and a logical tearing of my argument would have been lovely. The attack on my understanding of suffering and, indeed, on my humanity was too far, however.

I think I'll have to step away from this for a moment, as, quite frankly, you've stepped across the line between lively debate and personal attack, and one that was honestly very shocking to me personally.