I just finished watching all eight "Harry Potter" movies in the span of three days. Yes, that is 19 hours and 39 minutes of "The Boy Who Lived," and I enjoyed every second of it. Along the way, I learned a few things that I hadn't noticed before; things that could apply to the a world without Hogwarts and wizardry. Even us Muggles could learn a thing or two from Harry Potter.
1. Treat people right -- even if their last name is Longbottom.
Let's face it: without Neville, Harry would never have been able to defeat Voldemort. Neville, the bumbling misfit, killed Nagini so Harry could fight You-Know-Who. Even the biggest "loser" or outcast can become a hero and accomplish great things; you shouldn't be cruel to anyone just for being different. Would Neville have helped Malfoy if he needed it? Probably not.
2. Don't be a Dudley.
Everyone's favorite brat: Dudley Dursley. Infamous for torturing Harry throughout his years living at Privet Drive, Dudley would beat Harry at school and generally be a spoiled, insolent child. Karma always seemed to find Dudley, however, such as when he was trapped in the snake exhibit at the zoo. Rule of thumb: appreciate what you have, and just be kind to all; you don't want to end up with a pig tail (Thanks, Hagrid).
3. Find your own Hermione and Ron.
Everyone can find friends, but having true friends that really care about you is what matters most. Who would run headfirst into the girls' bathroom to fight a troll with you? Who would drop everything to help you turn back time and rescue your godfather from a swarm of dementors? Two true friends who will always have your back is worth more.
4. Trust your Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was often very cryptic with Harry and never told him outright what he had to do. If he had, however, Harry would not have learned lessons that he needed to figure out for himself. The same goes for teachers and parents here in the Muggle world. Sometimes their actions may not make sense. Sometimes they may make your head feel like an exploding bonbon. In the end, though, they they are only acting out of love with your best interests in mind.
5. The wand chooses the wizard.
Sometimes, things are just meant to be. Harry was meant to wield a wand of holly and phoenix feather, and someone else is meant to have one made of elm and dragon heartstring. Everything happens for a reason. College acceptances, jobs, soul mates -- whatever the outcome is, it is meant to be. There's no use in dwelling over what are ultimately small steps, especially when your perseverance and determination will push you to do great things.
6. Don't judge others too quickly.
Cold. Calculating. Hero. Severus Snape's true intentions weren't understood until the final book in the series. Up until then, he had been the cruel and conniving Potions master; the man who killed Albus Dumbledore. Afterwards, Snape was revealed to have been allied with Dumbledore all along, and sacrificed his own life for the cause. Human beings are incredibly complex; don't assume you know someone or what they have been through until you actually do.
7. Love wins.
The overall theme of "Harry Potter" is that love rules all; even death. The love of Harry's parents, friends and mentors is what got him through his journey. Even in the face of death, Harry never lost those closest to him through the bonds they shared. If you surround yourself with caring people and treat others with respect and compassion, life will treat you well in the end.
