Like with many other people who are my age, "Harry Potter" is a beloved part of my childhood. I literally grew up with the movies. The first movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," came out when I was in the first grade (I still have it at home on VHS) and the last movie came out before my senior year of high school.
As I rewatched the movies with my friends, I realized just how much Harry Potter has taught me about life.
1. Friendship
Harry Potter shows us how important friendship really is. Family is not always blood. Instead, it is made of those who are there for us when no one else is.
2. Loss
Harry experiences some of the biggest losses that one can ever experience in their life, but he also learns how death is not always the end and that our loved ones can come to us in the times we need them most.
"After all, to the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." -- Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone"
3. Happiness
"Happiness can be found even the darkest of places, if one only remembers to turn on the light." -- Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban"
4. Fun
Just watching the Weasley twins makes me want to be more adventurous in life.
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." -- Harry Potter, "Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban"
5. Bravery
Harry Potter teaches us to have strength and to conquer our fears in life.
"It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we truly are, far more than our abilities." -- Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
6. Love
I know that you're probably thinking that I am referring to a romantic love, but the love that Dobby has for Harry Potter is the reason that we were all bawling when he died in the last movie.
"Dobby has no master. Dobby is a free elf and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!" -- Dobby, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1"
7. Kindness
"If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." -- Sirius Black, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
8. Simplicity
Sometimes we need to remember not to take things so seriously. In the end, everything will be okay.
"No, I think I'll just go down, have some pudding, and wait for it all to turn up. It always does in the end." -- Luna Lovegood, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
9. Confidence
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." -- Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone"
10. Strength
"We must try not to sink beneath our anguish, Harry, but battle on." -- Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
11. Doubt
"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" -- Albus Dumbledore, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
Even though the "Harry Potter" series is over, we can still always return to the movies and books for a little piece of our childhood, whether we need some guidance in life or just a little bit of magic.
"The stories we love best do live in us forever, so whether you come back by page or by big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home." -- J.K. Rowling
