For Harry Potter fans, May 2 is a very important day. Just like we all think of Harry on July 31 and know that Oct. 31 is more than Halloween, May 2 holds extreme significance as the date of the Battle of Hogwarts, the epic fight detailed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that put an end to the Second Wizarding War and the Harry Potter series. This year marks the sixteenth anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, so what better way to commemorate the day then to reflect on one of Harry Potter's most important values: courage.
When you think of courage and bravery within the world of Harry Potter, you might first recall Harry's many battles against Voldemort or some of the daring adventures he, Ron, and Hermione went on, like riding a dragon or taking on a troll during their first year at Hogwarts. But J.K. Rowling spent seven books teaching Harry Potter fans that courage isn't defined by the risks you take or danger you encounter.
Harry isn't the series' only courageous character and some of its bravest moments had nothing to do with Voldemort or any other threats. In honor of the Battle of Hogwarts' anniversary, here's all the times that Harry Potter taught us what true courage is.
Courage Is...
Not Caring What Anyone Else Thinks
Facing Your Own Insecurities and Fears
Stepping Up When People Need a Leader
Fighting Evil with Joy
Moving Forward
Being There For Someone Until the Very End
Putting Your Friends First
Asking Before Someone Else Does
Being Tough When You Have To
Not Letting Fear Get in the Way
Knowing Love and Friendship
Doing the Right Thing No Matter What
Choosing the Right Path, Even When It's More Difficult
Admitting to Your Mistakes
And Trying to Make Up For Them
Doing What Needs To Be Done
Showing Up When Someone Needs You
Always Standing By Someone's Side
Protecting Those You Love at All Costs
Accepting Your Fate
And Finally, Knowing That It Takes a Great Deal of Bravery to Stand Up to Your Enemies, But a Great Deal More to Stand Up to Your Friends
Thank you, J.K. Rowling, for showing us the many faces of courage.
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