Harry Potter was more than a young wizard, more than a book series, and more than a collection of movies. Harry Potter, the seven books and eight movies, were full of humor, sadness, life lessons, and of course, magic. Here are 20 lessons that every fan learned from this timeless series:
1. Loyalty is one of the most important qualities to look for in a friend.
There was basically nothing that Harry, Hermione, and Ron did not go through together. Whether it's fighting the most evil wizard of all time or asking a girl to the ball, everything is easier with a friend.
2. Always be unique.
Even if people tell you that you're "loony," wear that badge with pride.
3. Working hard will get you far in life.
Hermione probably earned all the academic points given out to a Gryffindor... ever.
4. Family has indeterminable value, so keep them close, however, you can.
It's where you come from and where your roots are. Also, family doesn't need to be biological.
5. Do not judge a personality based on appearance.
Sometimes the gentlest people are half-giants. It's just how life works.
6. Heroes can hide in unlikely places.
Sometimes the people who have it out for you... aren't really the people who have it out for you.
7. Don't give up on the people you love.
It might take years and a lot of awkwardness, but love finds a way.
8. Freedom is priceless.
Also, you can tell how a man is by how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.
9. A joke can make the best out of a bad situation.
There are few things that a good joke (or a ton of fireworks or a portable swamp) can't fix.
10. Wisdom grows with age.
And sometimes, wisdom doesn't fully explain itself. The longer and whiter the beard, the wiser you are... probably.
11. Don't underestimate your abilities (but don't overestimate them, either).
Always remember what you're capable of, but remember that you can't do it all alone, even if you're the ~Chosen One~.
12. The answer can almost always be found in a book.
How many times has Hermione told us that you can't apparate or disapparate within Hogwarts?
13. The ones we love never truly leave us.
Even though the beautiful Harry Potter series are riddled with loss and grief, the ones we love always return to us.
14. Obsession is a dangerous and powerful thing.
Being greedy and power-hungry are dangerous qualities to have. Ask Barty Crouch.
15. Chase your dreams, but don't forget to face reality.
Only you can limit you in terms of your goals, but don't lose sight of the world around you.
16. Things are hardly ever as they appear to be (and people may surprise you).
All characters have a complex backstory and their motivations may not be what you originally thought.
17. True friends are of immeasurable worth.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione...a perfect trio of best friends.
18. No post on Sundays.
If Vernon Dursley taught me one thing, this was it.
19. Love never dies.
"After all this time?" "Always."
20. Always appreciate magic, and never outgrow it.
You are never too old for magic, and it is always the right time to re-read the series and re-watch the movies.
