The lights get dimmer, notes of Hedwig’s theme play in the background as the Warner Brothers’ logo appears on screen and just like that we’re transported back to 2001. You heard that right, it’s been 20 years since the release of the first Harry Potter movie. Taking us on an other-worldly journey of a lifetime, the HP universe gave us muggles an escape into the wizarding world. We don’t know about you but we still check our mailboxes hoping to find our Hogwarts letters. The series will always hold a special place in our hearts; here are 5 (out of a million) reasons why:
1. It made us believe in magic
As a kid, when anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d only have one answer—*drumroll please*—a wizard! From staying up all night on my 11th birthday waiting for Hagrid’s arrival, to trying and perfecting my pronunciation of ‘Leviosa’ to get a feather to levitate, I’ve done it all (and here’s hoping I wasn’t the only crazy one). The Harry Potter series opened up our imagination to magical possibilities and for that, we’re forever grateful.
2. It showed us the power of true love, friendship and family
Whether it’s Lily’s unconditional love for Harry that saved his life or the unbreakable bond that Ron, Harry and Hermoine shared— the series taught us that when you have your loved one’s by you, there’s no obstacle you can’t overcome. Even if that hurdle is Lord Voldemort himself.
3. Introduced us to some magical food, creatures and objects
Butterbeer, chocolate frogs, Bertie Bot’s every flavour beans, pumpkin pasties, magic wands, flying brooms, sorting hats, invisibility cloaks, the Marauder’s Map, Remembrall, time-turners, house-elves (shout-out to Dobby), Fluffy the three-headed dog, Buckbeak, the list can go on and on. Thanks to the HP universe, we also have a whole set of magical vocabulary and spells engraved in our heads.
4. Gave us some great quotes to live by
Next time you need some magical motivation, turn to the Harry Potter series. Here are some of our favourite quotes:
“We’ve all got both light and darkness inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That’s who we really are.” —Sirius Black, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” —Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
“Wit beyond measure is a man’s greatest treasure.” —Luna Lovegood, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
“It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”—Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.” —Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
“You fail to recognize that it matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” —Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. The values and life lessons it taught us
Magic aside, the series taught us some valuable lessons about bravery, loyalty and the victory of good over evil. We’ve learnt the importance of choosing our friends wisely, facing our fears, realising that people aren’t always what they seem, always believing in ourselves and never giving up. True magic doesn’t lie in the potions and wands, but within ourselves. It’s real if you believe it is.
Mischief managed.
GIFs via: GIPHY
