Growing up, everyone seemed to be enthralled with the Harry Potter series. My parents were constantly reading the books.

All of my elementary school friends were checking them out of the library. It seemed like the entire world obsessed with them overnight. Everyone except me. I took one step into the movie theater to see "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," I threw up when Ron accidentally cursed himself into puking slugs. After that, I had a bad taste in my mouth—pun intended—involving anything "Harry Potter."

But once I got into middle and high school, and after my stomach got a little stronger, I decided to give the "Harry Potter" books a shot. And I loved them. I read the first three books over a Christmas break, and the next four within a few weeks of school starting back up.

I cried when I finished the seventh book, and then immediately started the series over again because I couldn’t handle them being over. I think a large reason why I obsessed over them was that they taught me so much about life. I mean "Harry Potter" is cheap therapy.

So in light of all of this, I wanted to share with everyone what one is able to learn from the "Harry Potter" series. And if you’re like I was and haven’t really given the books a shot, I encourage you to get a library card and try them out. They truly have much to offer.

1. From Ron, Hermione, and Harry, I learned that sometimes the strongest friendships come from the greatest hardships.

2. From Lily Potter, I learned that true love is the most powerful elixir of darkness.

3. From Voldemort, I learned that to live a loveless life is not really living at all.

4. From Lucius Malfoy, I learned that money is incapable of buying happiness.

5. From Neville, I learned that anyone is able to be a hero; they must only have the courage to face what they fear.

6. From Lupin, I learned that fear is the only thing of which one must be truly afraid.

7. From Snape, I learned that one should never judge another, as there is almost always more going on than what first meets the eye.

8. From Dobby, I learned that true freedom is a gift but does not come without a cost.

What's your favorite lesson from the "Harry Potter" series?