Today, June 30th,  marks a rather sullen anniversary. According to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe, Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was killed 19 years ago during a battle in the school’s astronomy tower.

As we all know, Dumbledore was more than just the head of the school, but an ally to his friends and students, and a proponent of the good that can be found in everyone he met. We also know that, though he was killed by Severus Snape, Dumbledore was already dying, and had asked Snape to be the one to kill him if anyone else was ever tasked to do so.

The life and times of Albus Dumbledore may not be as blemish free as we had all imagined, but there’s no denying the good he did for the wizarding world in the end, and his commitment to the young witches and wizards who looked up to him.

Enjoy the enjoyable moments

“Happiness can be found, even the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”

Albus Dumbledore’s life certainly had it’s ups and downs, but he was sure to show his students that the ups were just as important as the downs, and that you should take advantage of the time that you have with the people you love.

You are important, no matter your history

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow up to be.”

Don’t let your past completely foretell your future if it’s not what you want. Whether you’re trying to escape your heritage, a small town, or even mistakes you may have made, you can be better if you want and work hard to be.

Even your idols will make mistakes

“Clever as I am, I remain just as big a fool as anyone else.”

As we learn throughout the series, even the mightiest of us can and will fall. Everyone has something they regret doing, saying, or believing at some point in their life, even those we believe in and hold on a pedestal.

Embrace your silliness, it’s good for you

“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!”

Times are hard, rarely will life be easy, so enjoy a little fun now and then. You’ll be a stronger, happier person for it.

Listen to your imagination

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should it mean it is not real?”

Your thoughts, fears, and dreams are not to be ignored. Learn how to understand what your inner-self is telling you, and appreciate the power of your imagination.