32 Ways Harry Potter Taught Us the Magic of Love

One of our favorite things (of many) about the Harry Potter book and film series is that it's not a cheesy romantic story on the outside — hello mystery, adventure, and badass female heroines — but at the heart of it, it is a love story. There are various romantic pairings that slowly develop over the course of the series, and there is, of course, the love of Harry's mother that steers the entire plot. So using GIFs and quotes from the movies and books, we're sharing 32 of the best lessons J.K.'s series has taught us about the magic of love.

— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

01
It's Really, Really Hard to Get Over Your First Love
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It's Really, Really Hard to Get Over Your First Love

"After all this time?"
"Always," said Snape.

02
If Someone's a Jerk, They're Probably Feeling Unloved
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If Someone's a Jerk, They're Probably Feeling Unloved

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."

03
Don't Be Too Quick to Dismiss "the Nice Guy"
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Don't Be Too Quick to Dismiss "the Nice Guy"

04
Being Ignored Is the Worst Form of Rejection
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Being Ignored Is the Worst Form of Rejection

"Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike."

05
There Really Is Someone For Everyone
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There Really Is Someone For Everyone

06
Teenage Relationships Are Way Too Dramatic
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Teenage Relationships Are Way Too Dramatic

"Oh, to be young and to feel love's keen sting."

07
Looks Aren't All That Matters
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Looks Aren't All That Matters

"What do I care how 'e looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave!"

08
First Kisses Are Awkward
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First Kisses Are Awkward

"Well? How was it?"
"Wet. I mean, she was sort of crying."
"That bad at it, are you?"

09
You May Be Surprised at Who You Fall in Love With
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You May Be Surprised at Who You Fall in Love With

"Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open."

10
Baby Talk Is Never OK
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Baby Talk Is Never OK

11
Jealousy Will Make You Imagine the Worst
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Jealousy Will Make You Imagine the Worst

12
Don't Sell Yourself Short
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Don't Sell Yourself Short

"Tonks deserves somebody young and whole."
"But she wants you."

13
Don't. Get. Crazy.
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Don't. Get. Crazy.

15
It's OK to Choose to Be Single — in Fact, It's Pretty Badass
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It's OK to Choose to Be Single — in Fact, It's Pretty Badass

16
Hey, We've All Been the Third Wheel at Some Point
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Hey, We've All Been the Third Wheel at Some Point

17
It's OK to Date the Hot Dumb One Every Once in a While
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It's OK to Date the Hot Dumb One Every Once in a While

"Actually, we don't really talk at all. Viktor's more of a physical being . . . I just mean he's not particularly loquacious. Mostly, he watches me study. It's a bit annoying, actually."

18
When You're in Love With Your Best Friend, Sometimes It Works Out
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When You're in Love With Your Best Friend, Sometimes It Works Out

19
Learn How to Get on Your Significant Other's Good Side After a Fight
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Learn How to Get on Your Significant Other's Good Side After a Fight

"How long do you think she'll stay mad at me?"
"Just keep talking about that little ball of light touching your heart, and she'll come 'round."

20
You Never Know What Will Turn You On
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You Never Know What Will Turn You On

22
Go For It — Make the First Move
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Go For It — Make the First Move

23
'Tis Better to Have Loved and Lost . . .
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'Tis Better to Have Loved and Lost . . .

"To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever."

24
Relationships Are Hard Work, but Don't Give Up!
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Relationships Are Hard Work, but Don't Give Up!

"These girls, they're gonna kill me."

25
You Can't Fake True Love
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You Can't Fake True Love

"It is impossible to manufacture or imitate love."

26
When We Like Someone, We're Guaranteed to Do Stupid Things
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When We Like Someone, We're Guaranteed to Do Stupid Things

27
Making Out Is Really Fun; Also, Who Knew Zipping Up a Dress (or Tying Shoelaces) Could Be So Sexy?
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Making Out Is Really Fun; Also, Who Knew Zipping Up a Dress (or Tying Shoelaces) Could Be So Sexy?

"Then she was kissing him as she never kissed him before, and Harry was kissing her back, and it was a blissful oblivion, better than firewhiskey; she was the only real thing in the world, Ginny, the feel of her, one hand on her back, the other in her long sweet-smelling hair."

28
Look For the Signs That They Just Might Not Be Into You (It's Usually Pretty Obvious)
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Look For the Signs That They Just Might Not Be Into You (It's Usually Pretty Obvious)

"I'd just been thinking, if you had died, you'd have been welcome to share my toilet."

29
As Tempting as a Love Potion Is, a Real Relationship Is Based on Reality
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As Tempting as a Love Potion Is, a Real Relationship Is Based on Reality

30
You Can't Expect All Love Interests to Be as Emotionally Invested as You Are
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You Can't Expect All Love Interests to Be as Emotionally Invested as You Are

"Just because you have the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn't mean we all have."

31
Love Is Both Dangerous and Powerful
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Love Is Both Dangerous and Powerful

"When you have seen as much of life as I have, you will not underestimate the power of obsessive love."

32
Stand by Your Partner, in Sickness and in Health
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Stand by Your Partner, in Sickness and in Health