Whether you grew up with the series like I did, or you've just recently discovered this magical universe, the "Harry Potter" series has captured the heart of millions of people worldwide. I will be forever grateful that I was able to escape to Hogwarts for hours on end, living vicariously through these crazy adventures. J.K. Rowling is a true literary genius, and her work continues to define a generation. Despite the magic and the fantasy of it all, this series highlights some very valuable life lessons. Here are a few of the things she was able to teach us:

**Disclaimer for those who have not read/watched the Harry Potter series: the following article contains spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. Also, seriously? You haven't read the Harry Potter series yet?**

1. You can't do everything alone

Even the best and the brightest need back up. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

2. Those who are gone never really leave us

Sirius told us exactly where to find them.

3. Sometimes we must make sacrifices to protect the ones we love

Okay, so it doesn't always have to be the ultimate sacrifice, but I think you get the point.

4. Never judge a book by it’s cover

Your house does not define you. We all thought Snape was pure Slytherin, but it turns out he may have been the bravest of them all.

5. Illnesses do not have to define who you are

Rest in Paradise, Remus Lupin.

6. Sometimes, you just might have to break the rules

And this is coming from the girl who once said, "Now, if you two don't mind, I'm going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed – or worse, expelled."

7. Being perfectly normal is perfectly awful

" If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals." – Sirius Black

11. Laughter is the best medicine

Thank goodness for the Weasley twins.

12. Do not fear death

"You are the true master of death, because the true master does not seek to run away from Death. He accepts that he must die, and understands that there are far, far worse things in the living world than dying." – Albus Dumbledore

If Dumbledore said it, you know it must be true.

13. Chocolate can work miracles

I've always known there was something magical about that stuff.

14. You do not have to kill to fight for what is right

Expelliarmus vs. Avada Kedavra...we all know who won.

Although I must say I will forever be upset at whoever made the decision to alter the final standoff between Lord Voldemort and Harry. The version in the books may not have been action packed, but it was one of the most intense and beautifully written conclusions I have ever read.

15. It’s okay to be different

16. Money does not buy happiness

Take that Lucius.

17. Girl Power.

So maybe violence isn't the right answer, but you can't say he didn't deserve it. According to several lists, Hermione may very well be one of the best female literary characters of all time. She proved that girls can be smart, tough, brave, and are able to do everything the boys can.

You go Mrs. Weasley! Who says stay at home moms aren't amazing?

Here's McGonagall again, because she's just that awesome.

"You sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve." – Ginny Weasley

Book Ginny was 100 times better than movie Ginny, but we love her all the same.

18. Face your fears head on, you just might be braver than you think

If only expecto patronum worked on the monsters in my closet as a child...

19. How to deal with the darkest of times

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." – Albus Dumbledore

20. Question authority figures when they do not work for the good of the people

Raise your wand if you wanted to be in Dumbledore's Army...

21. We all have a place to call home

We love you and we thank you J.K. Rowling. Always.