We are the Harry Potter generation. What does that mean? That means that when we learned (and wanted) to read, it was only to finish Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire before our friends could. It means that we ran in the movie theatre to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone when we were 11, and when we were 18, we did the same exact thing for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. It means that through thick and thin, we stuck with Harry and the gang. It also means that we all wanted a pet owl; then again, every generation has its quirks.
But most importantly, we learned some vital life lessons without meaning to, and we’re better for it. Here are five things Harry Potter and his friends have taught us over the years:
“Follow the spiders? Follow the spiders?! Why couldn’t it be ‘follow the butterflies?’”
– Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film).
Ron taught us a valuable lesson as he coward in fear of the journey ahead. Sometimes, the most important paths are scary, but it will be worth it in the end. Also, spiders are scary. No matter what road you find yourself on in life, it’s going to be met with peril and danger. But at the end of the road, you might find a truth you were hoping for in addition to some murderous spiders. But really though, spiders are scary.
“People find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right.”
– Albus Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
We get mad at our friends, families, and significant others over the smallest things, and no one enjoys being told they are wrong. We get unreasonably mad at people when we find out they were right all along, and we hold onto that anger as if it was the others person’s fault the whole time. Learn to let go of the little things, and admit when you’ve made a mistake. There will always be someone available to give you a hug, but it’s up to you to accept it. Oh, Dumbledore. We miss you.
“Don’t put your wand there, boy!” roared Moody. “What if it ignited? Better wizards than you have lost buttocks, you know!” – ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Always remember the basics! Remember the basics of math and reading, and remember the basics of politeness and common sense. No matter how much growing up we’ve done over the years, you learned everything you need to know to survive in the world in Kindergarten. Remember to say please and thank you, and always remember your elementary wand safety; butts are important, too.
“I am sorry, too. Sorry I will never know him… but he will know why I died, and I hope he will understand. I was trying to make a world in which he could live a happier life.”
-Remus Lupin in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Our parents sometimes do things we feel are unforgivable, but they always have our best interests at heart. From making you eat your leafy greens to forcing you to move across the country mid-year, it’s all because they care about you and love you more than anything else. Learn to forgive your parents for the things they do because it comes from a place of love. Hug them a little tighter and realize that when you are older, you’ll understand they did what they thought was best. As far as Lupin and Teddy, try not to cry too hard. I know it’s difficult.
“The fact remains that he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted by shampoo when he wants to.”
– Fred Weasley (may he rest in peace) in Harry Potter in the Deathly Hallows
And from the Weasley’s, the most important bit of advice: Always wash your hair! We love to think that the efforts we went through straightening, curling, or up-doing our hair will mask the oils, but it won’t. Don’t be a “slimeball” like Snape; hit the showers ladies! In the immortal words of Fred and George Weasley: Mischief managed!
Photo Credits
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