When I reached college, I was able to find many millennials who shared my love for the Harry Potter series! Awhile back, I started to re-watch the films, and it got me thinking about all the little life lessons that are jam-packed into the plot line, that anyone could relate to. Here are several lessons offered from the Harry Potter series that absolutely anyone could relate to.

1. We can't change our past, but we can change our future.

Like Harry, we can't change what has happened to us, like losing our loved ones. We also can't go back in time, whether that be to change the course of our actions, despite Hermione using her time turner. Our past shapes the kind of people we are, but that does not mean that is all we are. For Harry, he lost his parents and was then sent to live with his retched uncle, aunt, and cousin. In the end, this ultimately led him to attend Hogwarts and he became a better person, despite his past.

2. Never let anyone get the best of you.

If you have seen Harry Potter and the Prisoner from Azkaban, then you were satisfied with this moment. You go, Hermione! However, not letting someone get the best of you can be a difficult lesson, but it is one that is very valuable to learn. Remember, like Hermione, it isn't about what we are, but who we are as individuals.

3. "It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends."

Oh, Neville. Sweet, shy Neville... Despite bad things happening to him, he always matched everything he did with bravery, unbeknownst to him. For instance, he stood up to his only friends, Harry, Ron and Hermione for fear of Gryffindor losing points. Standing up to a friend is not an easy task when there is a possibility that person could turn their back and walk away from you. However, he did not lose them because of his bravery and because they had a true friendship. *10 points for Gryffindor!

4. The power of love is far greater and more powerful than hatred.

We see this shown throughout the series. Despite Harry always facing death threats from Voldemort, he triumphed over the difficulties in his relationships and the threats. In the end, Harry won because of love and the support by his loved ones. How does this reflect in an individual's life? Something to remember is:

"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." Proverbs 10:12 NIV

5. There is more to people than what meets the eye.

Many times we misjudge others based on appearances or what we believe to be true of them, and sometimes our assessments of that person are incorrect. Take for example, Sirius Black. He was wrongly thought by everyone, including Harry, as being a crazy and traitorous murderer. Later, fans and Harry see him for the cool and caring godfather that he is. Talk about a major plot twist!

I know it is cheesy, but there is something about the Harry Potter series that is truly magical, and will continue to live on for generations. It is so enchanting that the friendships, places and things, and life lessons found in the story line, are equally found around us. There is magic in whatever we do, and not the witchcraft kind of magic, but the kind that is so hard to describe, and that's found wherever it is sought out.

J.K. Rowling, on behalf of millennials everywhere, I want to thank you for the most fantastic and magical world you have given all of us!