Ever since its publication in 1998, our hearts have belonged to the "Harry Potter" series. As the Harry Potter generation, we've read all the books (several times), watched the movies, and even spent time reading Harry Potter fanfiction (or is that just me?) as we wait for J.K. Rowling to announce something new about our favorite Wizarding World. With the recent introduction of the new Pottermore website and the upcoming "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" movie, the Harry Potter generation couldn't be happier than if JKR published a new book. However, even with all of the exciting new things coming to the Harry Potter universe, we must not forget where it all started.
As the Harry Potter generation grows up and passes our love of the series to our friends and families, remember these few quotes that taught us lessons when we were younger and that we may even still live by today.
1. "Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?" -- Albus Dumbledore
Just because we're getting older, graduating from college, getting "adult" jobs, and starting families does not mean that our imagination needs to disappear. Harry Potter was real to us then, while we were reading the books or watching the movies. Dive right back in and make them real again.
2. "I am what I am an' I'm not ashamed. 'Never be ashamed,' my ol' dad used ter say, 'there's some who'll hold it against you, but they're not worth botherin' with.'" -- Rubeus Hagrid
No matter who you are or where you come from, don't be ashamed of yourself. Your past and experiences have led you to become the very special, unique person that you are today and you should embrace that. Besides, it's as Hagrid says -- if someone doesn't accept you for who you are, they aren't worth it, anyway.
3. " 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
Remembering this quote in everything that you do will save you a lot of heartbreak in the end. Before investing your time and love into someone that you're not entirely sure is even worth it, make sure to reflect on Sirius' wise words.
4. "We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same and worth saving." -- Kingsley Shacklebolt
People are still people, no matter who they are. Just because someone is different than you does not mean that they are worth less than someone else.
5. "Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect." -- Luna Lovegood
Don't worry if you feel lost sometimes. If you're not sure what to do after college, how you're going to do in a particular class, or if you're ever going to find that special someone, just remember that you will find yourself, even if it's in a way you least expect.
6. "Young and whole men do not necessarily remain so." -- Arthur Weasley
It is so very easy to rely on appearance and to not worry about anything else. However, no one is able to stay young and beautiful forever and everyone, eventually, grows old. Make sure to get to know a person for themselves before fully committing to them.
7. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things -- friendship and bravery." -- Hermione Granger
As you study for your classes and work hard to achieve the best grades possible, don't forget that you have people there for you. Don't forget to spend time with your friends and family, even if it is only a few minutes at a time. You need the break and they'll appreciate you reaching out.
8."Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." -- Ginny Weasley
Of course, we don't all have Fred and George as brothers like Ginny was referring to in this quote, but we can still make the most out of our lives. If we have the courage to go after something that we really want, it is possible to achieve it.
