Harry Potter was a big part of many of our childhoods. Whether we were attending the midnight premiere of the books dressed as our favorite character, or flooding to the movies with our friends, wizard boy Harry Potter captured our hearts and imaginations in a way no other series has been able to do. We recovered the stone, opened the chamber, freed the prisoner, had our names erupt from the goblet, joined the Order of the Phoenix, discovered the Prince, and captured the Hallows along with our favorite trio. Along this journey, we also learned many important lessons without even realizing it.
1. Dobby taught us the value of freedom.
Dobby is always on the short list of favorite characters of the series. His unwavering loyalty to Harry captured our hearts at first, even if it did cause us to lose all the bones in our arm. Dobby was a slave to an abusive family, and only Harry saw how unfair it was to enslave such a kind and loving soul. His defiance to obey his former masters inspired by his own independence sounded a cheer of success from fans everywhere. Dobby was loyal and dependable until the very end. And we will never forgive J.K. Rowling for the pain of his death. Never.
2. Sirius Black taught us that we are not limited by our families.
The Black family was filled with notorious dark wizards all in Slytherin. Sirius refused to be like them. He was a Gryffindor, a good man, and he refused to let his family pressure him. He proudly waved his Gryffindor banner and never joined the Death Eaters. This brave man taught us that it is okay to be different from our families. Be a red apple in a family of green apples. Just be yourself.
3. Snape taught us that love is a far more powerful tool than hate.
Snape is one of the most complicated characters in the series. His love for Lily Potter never died, and it was that love that motivated him to keep Harry safe from Lord Voldemort, who was running on hate and anger. Together, Snape and Dumbledore outsmarted Voldemort and kept Harry safe long enough for him to realize his mission. Snape will always help us remember this.
4. Hagrid taught us that looks can be deceiving.
Inside this large and intimidating man lives the gentlest soul and kindest heart. He looked after Harry since the night he rescued the baby from Godric's Hollow when his parents were killed. Although he may be a half-giant with masses of tangled hair, Hagrid is kind and caring to Harry, Ron and Hermione, helping them in any way he can. They always had a place at his fireplace. Hagrid is the perfect example of a deceptive appearance.
5. Lupin taught us that a disease or condition does not define who we are.
Most of us know someone with a disease or condition that severely impacts their life. Lupin helped show us that having an issue like this (although maybe not lycanthropy) does not define us as a person. Many werewolves simply traveled in packs and let their nature become defined by the fact that once a month, they became werewolves. Lupin fought that. He maintained his individuality as a human and dealt with his condition when it came up. His friends loved and supported him, and so we must also do with our friends who have issues like this. Treating them differently would be....riddikulus.
6. Arthur Weasley taught us to pursue our interests, no matter how odd they are.
Easily one of the greatest lines in the series is, "What exactly is the function of a rubber duck?" Mr. Weasley is curious about everything related to Muggles and actively pursues this knowledge. He works in a related department in the Ministry and becomes incredibly excited when he comes across anything related to Muggles. He shows us that pursuing our own curiosity is not a bad thing! In fact, he uses this curiosity to help people! Mr. Weasley defends Muggles and their rights passionately with every breath. A more dedicated and curious man you could not find.
7. Minerva McGonagall taught us the value of education and teachers.
For someone who wasn't a mother, Minerva McGonagall was remarkably mother-like towards her students. She was a strict teacher who pushed her students to succeed but cared deeply for each and every one of them. From trying to keep them out of trouble to making sure they were punished fairly when they did, McGonagall was easily one of the best and most caring professors at Hogwarts. She also has incredible skill as a sass master. And let's be honest, Transfiguration was definitely one of the classes we all wanted to take.
8. Peeves taught us that not all great characters make the movie.
If you don't know who Peeves is, you probably only saw the movies. This oversight has been one of the pet-PEEVES of fans for years. Peeves the Poltergeist was one of the ghosts of Hogwarts in the books. He was always causing mischief in the castle and annoying Filch just for fun. The only people he ever respected or obeyed were the Weasley twins, Fred and George, who gave him orders to give Umbridge hell when they made their spectacular exit in the fifth book. And of course, we all wished his bit of comic relief was in the movie after Harry defeated Lord Voldemort when he sang "We did it, we bashed them, wee Potter's the one, and Voldy's gone moldy, so now let's have fun!"
9. Rita Skeeter taught us that the media cannot always be trusted.
Rita Skeeter was your typical ruthless journalist who snagged a story and twisted it into the juiciest fantasy she could. She was one of the leaders in the "everyone hate Harry Potter and distrust Dumbledore" movement with her scything reports of them. Even if she did report some facts, she twisted them to make them into better headlines that would sell more papers. Media constantly bleeds stories dry with their gossip and outlandish theories. She taught us that the media doesn't always give an accurate view of the truth.
10. Last but certainly not least, the Golden Trio taught us that true friendship can weather any hardship.
It has always impressed me that these three were able to remain friends through all the peril they went through together. They skirmished a few times in the fourth and seventh books, but other than that, Harry, Ron, and Hermione got through every rough spot together. This is the mark of true friendship. Sticking with one another when times are tough is much more difficult that turning against each other and going separate ways. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger taught us that the love between true friends is stronger than any struggles you go through and that you get stronger with each victory against the odds.
Some people have said that the "Harry Potter" series is for children only, but the millions of adults around the world who were also enthralled by the adventures of our visually-impaired hero would say different. J.K. Rowling created a masterpiece of literature with these books, and even though we complain about them, we love the movies too. No matter where we go or how old we become, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome us home.
