From our first encounter with the boy in the cupboard under the stairs to a mid-aged farewell on Platform 9 3/4, JK Rowling's genius compelled a series bursting with life, love and loss seen through the eyes of Harry Potter.
While the escapades of Harry, Ron and Hermione have come to a close, we cannot help but reminisce on their adventurous spirits by applying the lessons the trio learned throughout their journeys to our own muggle lives. Mischief managed.
1. Face your fears.
“Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself.”– Albus Dumbledore, Sorcerer’s Stone
Throughout the magical series, our dynamic trio characters were forced to face their darkest terrors as Lord Voldemort regained power and began creating his army. As a result of the fear and mystery associated with the Dark Lord, former Hogwarts alum Tom Marvolo Riddle became formally known as, “He Who Must Not be Named." Striking fear into the hearts of the entire magical community, the very sound of his name alone seems as if it would result in a deafening flash of green light. Confronting the wizarding world's ultimate villain, after accepting Voldemort's return wizards and witches alike abandoned his pseudonym, confronted their fears, and banded together to defeat the Dark Lord.
2. Never give up.
“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore, Deathly Hallows
From infancy to adulthood, Harry was never lacking in reasons to step down from his predetermined role as, “The Chosen One.” After losing his parents, godfather, friends and mentor in his several battle against Voldemort, Harry encountered every excuse to walk away from the fight. Despite his countless losses, there was always something that Harry would never allow himself to do without: hope. By never abandoning his search for the light at the end of the tunnel (with the help of the deluminator of course), Harry was able to turn the negativity of his past into positivity for his future.
3. Love conquers all.
“Do not pity the dead Harry. Pity the living, and above all, those without love.” – Albus Dumbledore, Deathly Hallows
When Harry ultimately defeated Lord Voldemort in the final battle of Hogwarts, it was not the destruction of the horcruxes or the loss of multiple Death Eaters that contributed to Harry’s victory – it was love. More specifically, it was Lily Potter’s love for Harry, as she attempted to sacrifice herself in front of his crib nearly 18 years prior. Through the strength and love of his mother, Harry possessed a weapon that the Elder Wand could not stupefy, Avada Kedrava could not kill, and above all, one that Lord Voldemort could not begin to comprehend.
4. Stand up for what you think is right.
“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, Sorcerer’s Stone
In Rowling’s first installment of the Harry Potter series, the underestimated, mandrake-fainting, remembrall-owning, chubby, Neville Longbottom attempted to prevent Harry, Ron and Hermione from sneaking out of their common rooms after hours. While his attempts resulted in him being the recipient of a body-binding spell, his valiant effort did not go unnoticed by Dumbledore – awarding Neville with just the right amount of house points to beat Slytherin - Gryffndor wins the House cup!
