50 Things We Learned From Harry Potter

Game Old Bird

The Lesson: Maggie Smith is a secret badass

As Shown By: One of the greatest pleasures to be savoured in Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 is Professor McGonogall’s transformation from formidable schoolmarm to kick-ass sorceress. The scene in which she summons the enchanted coats of armour is a real goosebumps moment. “I’ve always wanted to use that spell,” she reveals, gleefully…

The Greater Good

The Lesson: During times of trouble, self-sacrifice is key

As Shown By: Many of Harry Potter ’s leading players are extremely selfless, but one quiet moment sums this up better than any, and that’s when Hermione solemnly erases herself from her parents’ memories in order to protect them from the Death Eaters. It’s a timely reminder that whilst Harry’s sacrifices have been obvious, his battle with Voldemort has cost his friends dearly as well.

Keeping It In The Family

The Lesson: Blood is thicker than water

As Shown By: Dumbledore chooses to leave Harry with the ghastly Dursley family for a reason. They might be oafish, thoughtless and downright cruel at times, but Harry’s Aunt Petunia is a blood relation to the young wizard, and therefore able to keep Voldemort from the door thanks to the curse cast by her sister. Even the most disagreeable of family members can come through for you when the going gets tough…

Fudging The Issue

The Lesson: Denial is never a good thing

As Shown By: The latter part of the series sees Minister For Magic Cornelius Fudge continually denying the return of Voldemort, effectively scuppering any chance of heading him off at the pass. Comparisons have been drawn between Fudge and Neville Chamberlain, in that both were muddle-headed appeasers, and both ended up with a war on their hands.

Extra Extra

The Lesson: Don’t believe everything you read

As Shown By: The supremely scurrilous Rita Skeeter is a pitch-perfect parody of the tabloid press, wheedling her way into Harry’s affairs wherever possible and twisting his words beyond recognition. Miranda Richardson might not be over-burdened with screen-time, but that doesn’t stop her gleefully making off with every scene she appears in…

School Sucks

The Lesson: Occasionally, teachers will inexplicably hate you

As Shown By: We’ve all experienced this in real life. No matter how model a pupil you are, there will always be at least one teacher at school who seems to have it in for you. Maybe they think your too cocky, maybe you had a more studious elder sibling, or maybe, like Harry, they were once in love with your mum. Either way, you’ve just got to suck it up.

Don't You Know Who I Am?

The Lesson: Fame is a bitch

As Shown By: Every time Harry meets someone in the magical world, they greet him slack-jawed and wide-eyed, fully expecting the sun to peek its golden head out of his rear end. This, understandably, grows wearisome for the boy wizard, particularly when even his fellow pupils are all up in his face (we mean you, Colin Creevey). The one character who cravenly revels in his celebrity is the buffoonish Gilderoy Lockhart, and he ends up in a mental hospital. Pretty clear what Jo Rowling thinks of today’s celebrity culture then…

Fear Factor

The Lesson: Fear can be conquered

As Shown By: During Remus Lupin’s tenure as Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher, he shows Harry that the thing that is crippling him is a fear of fear itself, explaining why he suffers so much in the presence of the Dementors. In time, Harry is able to defeat fear with focus, as he masters the art of the Patronus charm.

Peer Pressure

The Lesson: Bravery comes in many forms

As Shown By: At the end of Philosopher’s Stone , Neville attempts to stop Harry, Ron and Hermione going after Quirrell, fearing another punishment for Gryffindor house. One swift curse from Hermione later and he’s out of the picture, but his bravery in defying his friends does not go unnoticed. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends,” says Dumbledore at the story’s conclusion. “ I award ten points to Neville Longbottom!” Huzzah!

Protecting The Nest

The Lesson: Don’t get between a mother and her young

As Shown By: Bellatrix Lestrange might be one of the most diabolical witches ever to wield a wand, but she makes a critical error when she threatens to kill Ginny Weasley. Molly Weasley might have seen one child bite the dust at the battle of Hogwarts, but she’s not about to let Bellatrix repeat the trick. All together now, “Not my daughter you BITCH!”