Warning: Spoiler Alert! Read ahead with caution.
Here are just a few of the many lessons we’ve learned from the magical world of Harry Potter:
1) The Power of Choice
After Harry rescues Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets, he addresses his concerns about the remarkable similarities with Tom Riddle to his headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Dumbledore responds with my favorite quote from the series, “It is not our abilities that show who we truly are. It is our choices.” In this powerful scene, we all learned that it is what we choose to do with these abilities that make us who we are. Both Harry and Voldemort exhibited exceptional abilities, but Voldemort chose to use his powers to inflict harm and Harry chose to use his powers for good.
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2) When You Need Help, Ask for It!
In my opinion, The Order of the Phoenix is one of the hardest movies to watch, because of the strained relationship between our favorite trio. After the Ministry of Magic accuses Harry of lying about Voldemort’s return, most of his classmates turn against him. Despite Ron coming to his defense after an argument with Seamus Finnigan, Harry snapped at him when Ron sent him words of encouragement and reassurance. At stressful times like these, we might often feel inclined to face the battle on our own. However, Harry also taught us that you don’t always have to and that it’s okay to reach out.
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3) Reading Can Save Your Life
Let’s face it. If it weren’t for Hermione Granger’s brain, the iconic trio would not have survived all those near-death situations. Hermione’s thirst for knowledge and passion for reading saved their lives on multiple occasions. For example, her knowledge of sunlight serving as an antagonist for Devil’s Snare prevented the roots from suffocating Ron in The Philosopher’s Stone.
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4) The Real Litmus Test for a Person’s Character
I’m still wondering why this scene was never added to the movies, because it reveals a powerful message. In the books, Hermione spearheads SPEW (The Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare), an organization meant to address the mistreatment and abuse of house elves. After expressing her disgust for Barty Crouch Sr.’s treatment towards Winky, Ron clearly has grown tired of the subject. In response to Ron’s snarky comments, Harry’s godfather Sirius Black imparted great words of wisdom, “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”
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5) The Value of Friendship
One of the most valuable lessons from Harry Potter is the importance of friendship. Real friends stay by your side in times of trouble and provide a safe space for you to be yourself. I think we can all agree that Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s relationship set the bar high for our own friendships. Throughout all the trials and tribulations that define Harry Potter’s life, he had his two best friends at his side.
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