The importance of keeping things in perspective

Despite being known for her exceptional brain power, Hermione also knew the importance of nurturing the other elements of her personality too. It’s a lesson she learnt in her first year after finding genuine friendship. It is also one that we could do with remembering too.

Don’t be afraid to be bold

If you don’t ask you don’t get! As Ginny reminds us, if we shy away from a challenge, we’re never going to achieve our dreams. If we find our courage? Well, the world is our oyster.

Be proud of who you are

The no-nonsense McGonagall was a witch worth listening to! It’s all too easy to get caught up in the comparison trap, trying to think about who you should be and feeling inadequate next to others. However, you are brilliant just the way you are. You are one-of-a-kind. If the Head of Gryffindor can see that – so can you.

There is always hope

When times are hard, it can be easy to give up hope and become despondent. Yet this poignant point from the wonderfully eccentric Ravenclaw is a reminder that good days are on the horizon – even if we can’t quite see them yet.

Don’t be afraid to dream big

No matter who you are, you can make a difference. If you channel Hermione’s determination, we’re sure you will go on to do great and brilliant things.

An excellent reminder

A sage piece of advice from Mrs Weasley! She might have said this to Harry before his Ministry hearing, but we think this is something that can be applied to many different areas of your life. From making friends to job interviews, things are always easier if you start off on the right foot.

Do what is right, not what is easy

Hermione was the witch who once declared being expelled to be a fate worse than death. To hear her trying to convince Harry and Ron to break the rules was rather shocking. Yet she raises an extremely valuable point. Sometimes you need to push the boundaries to do what is right. Following the rules can only go so far – especially if those rules cause more harm than good. It can be hard to stand up and be counted but we should all try to do so.

Protect what is important

This was a brave statement from Professor Sprout in the wake of Dumbledore’s death. Hogwarts was so much more than a school. For many like Harry, it was a sanctuary and place they could call home. A place that should be protected. This is a sentiment we could all take on board. We should all work hard to take care of what, and who, is important to us.

Don’t judge a book by its cover

You might think glamorous and goodlooking Fleur Delacour would also be extremely vain. Yet she wasn’t. Filled with self-confidence, she didn’t judge her husband based on his appearance – she knew it was the content of his character that truly mattered. That attitude is one we think everyone should embody.

Boundaries are good

Quite right too! Don’t let anybody try to take your voice or diminish you. If someone tries to talk over you, channel your inner McGonagall and lay down the law – they’ll soon learn a valuable lesson.