Hogwarts: Not the ideal learning center

The Huffington Post ran an article last week about how Harry Potter's school, Hogwarts, exemplifies the ideal learning environment. Characteristics include:

1. The magic of a multi-age community. By dividing into "Houses," each victory is celebrated by everyone in the community.
2. The magic of choice and voice. Students can find their identity by specializing in whatever subject interests them.
3. The magic of real life learning. Students learn about on practical applications for what they learn.
4. The magic of curiosity and creativity. Students are allowed to pursue their own interests.
5. The magic of mentorship. The professors don't prescribe answers, but guide students to find their own answers.

It's a good article, but incomplete. If we're going to take lessons from Hogwarts, I believe we should also consider the negative. So here are my top five ways Hogwarts does NOT seem like the ideal learning environment.

1. Lax physical security. In the first movie, an armed troll finds its way into the girls bathroom, where he tears the place apart, almost killing Hermione. Before the teachers can react, Harry and Ron (two first-year students) save the day. This doesn't sound like the kind of safe learning environment I'd expect from a boarding school.
2. Teachers primarily concerned with jobs security. In the second Harry Potter book/movie, a basilisk is on the loose, turning kids into stone, and what is Professor McGonagall's concern? They might have to close Hogwarts! Oh, snap -- now there's a tragedy! "Yeah, hi, we're Hermione's parents; I was just reading your note saying she'd been turned to stone. This is the second year in a row where she's almost died due to your negligence. I don't think she'll be coming back for a third."
3. Rich kids get away with everything. Why wasn't Draco Malfoy ever kicked out? Because his parents were rich. In the third movie, Draco provokes an innocent flying horse and then gets *it* executed with no repercussions. Wanna be on the Quiddith team? No problem, if your parents can afford the newest, fastest broom. Forget meritocracy -- at Hogwarts, it's all about the money.
4. Forcing minors to uphold contractual obligations. In the fourth movie, the Goblet of Fire spits out Harry's name, despite the fact he never put his name in. Forget the fact he's under 18 and can't legally enter into a contract. Neither can he pull out of the competition; either figure it out or die. Good luck, kid.
5. Collateral kidnappings. Let's take another example from the fourth movie. In the second challenge, Harry has to rescue -- guess who? -- Hermione from the lake. He not only saves her, but also Fleur's little sister as well, which makes me wonder what would have happened if he hadn't. Would they have been released, or would they have died? "Yeah, hi, Hermione's parents again. I understand she was killed in a competition she *wasn't eligible and didn't even volunteer for.* I hope you've got a good lawyer, because I'll see the headmaster in Muggle Court!"

Bottom line: Hogwarts should never be put forth as an example for responsible education.