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I don't think the allegories are much of a stretch, but I don't think they are the only way the stories can be interpreted, either. Christian traditions are a basis for a lot of Western culture, which is where J.K. Rowling grew up, so it's not too surprising that there are elements like this in her stories -- or lots of other stories, for that matter.
A number of years ago I wrote an analysis of the Harry Potter books in terms of the Ten Commandments. Harry and friends come out pretty well in that light. I know there's a reflexive tendency to stigmatize the books because they are about "witches," but 1) there's some disagreement about the translation of the word in that commandment, as some sources claim it should be "poisoner," and 2) witches and wizards in Rowling's books are not involved with the supernatural-- magic in the Harry Potter universe doesn't involve calling upon demons or spirits. It is, rather, a fictional technology that requires skill and inborn talent to master. It would appear that some of the actions of "dark wizards" such as Voldemort are exceptions, but they are regarded as villains.
As a reminder, the only references to religion at all in the Harry Potter books are references to the characters celebrating the two most significant holidays in Christianity: Christmas and Easter.
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