J K Rowling’s Harry Potter Series is one like no other. These seven books are not just books but they are everything; they are a safe sanctuary to get back to after a tiring day. Eight movies based on the books have been watched millions of times across the world. The books have touched a chord and resonate with every possible age group. While it is young adult fiction, it hasn’t stopped the older generation to be addicted to it. In short, Harry Potter is life!
Here are 20 life lessons we learned from Harry Potter -
1. The past is unchangeable but we can change what we become in our future
The time-turner could only save Buckbeak and Sirius Black. Sadly, many of us questioned why Rowling could not go back and save Lilly and James Potter. But the fact remains, the past cannot be changed even with magic. Harry grew up with his aunt and uncle who hated him.
He could have become resentful or turned into an evil man like you know who but he chose to be different. He chose his own path. We can always choose to become who we are despite where and what we come from!
2. You have got to confront your fears
There is no running away from your fears. Brushing them under the carpet won’t make them disappear. Just like Ron had to face the fight the giant spiders, we have to face each day and what it brings.
3. Money doesn’t equal to happiness
The Malfoys are perhaps the most hated characters in the book. They represent aristocracy and wish to believe that money and power can solve everything, even buy them, friends. But no, the Weasleys were the happier lot even without money. Harry inherited a lot of money but had no family.
4. We are never alone
Loneliness is frightening. Harry, despite his aunt and uncle, grew up alone but then he always had his friends who became more than family to him. When his friends were ignoring him, thanks to Dumbledore, he had Dobby to keep him company. We too have our friends. All we need to do is to reach out to them!
5. Friends forever – in good and bad (read trouble) times
A friend in need is a friend indeed. True isn’t it? Harry had friends when he needed them most but the best part about his friends was they were with him when he got into all the trouble. They faced the music with him.
6. Some battles are meant to be fought alone
Harry, while his friends always had his back, had to fight certain battles on his own. For e.g. in the maze and then killing Tom Riddle. At some point in life, we have to go to do things alone. Sure we have friends who love us but it has got to be us!
7. Animals make great friends too
Harry had Hedgewig, Faux the phoenix and even Crookshanks, Hermione’s cat to help him out or keep him company. His owl sacrificed her life for Harry and Faux brought him the sword. Animals make great friends. They are loyal, loving and will protect you from everything!
8. Confidence and Bravery are two very different things
Just because someone is confident, doesn’t mean they are brave! Remember Malfoy in the forbidden forest or Gilderoy Lockhart? Both were sissies. Bravery comes from within. Ron was scared of almost everything yet he was one of the bravest.
9. Never let anyone undermine you
Draco Malfoy got under everyone’s skin. He called Hermione a mud-blood, teased Weaselys’ endlessly for their poor dressing. But they showed us that these things did not matter. They just grew stronger and it was Draco who lost in the end – he lost his so called friends too.
10. A mysterious force always works for us – in favor or against us
Harry hated Snape but Snape was only looking out for him. While Harry trusted Mad-eye-moody, he turned to be the trouble maker in book 4.
11. Always take a friend along or inform your people
What if Quirrell did not spot the Troll in the girl’s lavatory? Well, Harry and Ron wouldn’t have rushed to Hermione’s rescue. Therefore, always inform at least one of your friends about your plans!
12. There is always more to others than meets the eye
We are quick to judge. Harry hated Sirius Black initially. But on realizing his God Father was innocent, he learnt he had family after all.
13. Being invisible isn’t the best thing after all
This is a very important lesson – Harry found out a lot many things about his parents when he under his invisibility cloak. But it was the best of information. It hurt him. Sometimes we need to let go of our curiosity to know what others think about us. It might just hurt and disturb us.
14. With power comes great responsibility
The Elder wand, the invisibility cloak and the resurrection stone were the most powerful assets to any wizard. Lord Voldemort wished to acquire these at any cost. Power is great if used wisely but You-Know-Who was the best example when it comes to power’s destruction. He was destroyed by his own greed for power.
15. Wisdom is a gift of age
Albus Dumbledore was one of the wisest wizards and yes, he was about 150 years old! One could always look to Dumbledore for solutions and answers.
16. An ugly duckling will turn into a swan
Nobody liked Hermione’s bushy hair and buck teeth but she transformed into a beauty in the 4th book for the Yule ball. Similarly, Neville was this chubby kid who could do nothing right. But he eventually turned out to be one of the bravest and most handsome boy ever!
17. Love triumphs hate
Voldemort was incapable of love and while he was the greatest dark wizard, he couldn’t kill Harry Potter. This is because Harry was protected by love and was loved by all.
18. Enemies could be friends in disguise
Just because you don’t like how someone behaves or dress’s, doesn’t make them an enemy. Snape looked cruel and was mean to Harry all the time. But he was the kindest soul who actually on was Harry side forever.
19. Be yourself
No matter who called her a Loony, Luna Lovegood did not stop being herself. She was whimsical but feisty and intelligent.
20. Being tough doesn’t mean you don’t have a heart
Professor McGonnagal was the toughest teacher at Hogwarts but she had a heart of gold. Don’t judge people on their appearance.
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