The complex world of Harry Potter is filled with characters that have to make challenging decisions regularly, with many of them unknowingly making choices that will positively impact the rest of their lives. The best life decision, however, isn’t always a straightforward one.
As the films go on, there is dark nature that surrounds many of the characters. This means that they often find themselves having to make difficult and impulsive choices, however, these are sometimes the ones that turn out to be their best life decisions.
Sirius Black - Becoming An Animagus
After discovering that Remus Lupin was a werewolf, Sirius, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew all became Animagi to help him with the transition. Sirius had no idea how much this decision would help him in the future.
When he was locked up in Azkaban for a crime he didn’t commit, he managed to escape the prison by turning into his Animagus form and became the first person to do so without help. Had he never been able to turn into a dog, he never would’ve escaped Azkaban and proved his innocence to Harry.
Ginny Weasley - Helping Restart Dumbledore's Army
When The Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts fell under the control of Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters, Ginny along with Neville and Luna restarted Dumbledore’s Army in the trio’s absence. In doing so, they dangerously rebelled against Snape and the Carrows.
Dumbledore’s army had a significant impact as it saw many members fight during several battles like The Battle of the Department of Mysteries and the Battle of Hogwarts. Therefore, Ginny’s contribution as co-leader of the restart played a pivotal role in the downfall of Voldemort.
Rubeus Hagrid - Trusting Harry And Ron
When Hagrid was once again falsely accused of opening the Chamber of Secrets, he was sent to Azkaban. Upon leaving, he decided to put his faith in Harry and Ron and told them to follow the spiders.
Even though they were both only 12 years old at the time, Hagrid used his instinct and trusted them both enough to find Aragog. If Hagrid hadn’t given this information to them, he would’ve remained in Azkaban because Harry and Ron would have never been able to prove his innocence.
Neville Longbottom - Being A True Gryffindor
After his speech about how he wouldn't give up fighting, Neville pulls the sword of Gryffindor from the sorting hat, prompting many death eaters to flee. Neville then used the sword to slay Nagini who was the final Horcrux.
It is a well-known fact that only a true Gryffindor can pull the sword from the sorting hat when they need it most. Because of Neville’s bravery, he was able to save Ron and Hermione from Nagini but also deliver the final blow that ultimately killed Voldemort.
Luna Lovegood - Always Choosing To Be Kind
Luna’s kind nature helps all the characters in many different ways. She is one of the first to console Harry about Sirius’ death and always lends him an honest shoulder to cry on.
Luna plays a pivotal role in leading Harry to Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem and her kindness is vital. When she shows Harry where Rowena is, she only agrees to speak to him because he is a friend of Luna’s and she acknowledges that Luna is kind. Without this information, Harry never would’ve found the diadem that led to the destruction of Voldemort.
Severus Snape - Living A Double Life
Although he had a strange way of showing it, Snape playing both sides meant he could keep an eye on Harry and help him when he needed it, for example using his Patronus to lead him to the sword of Gryffindor.
When Snape became headteacher, it meant he could protect the students to some extent and give them lesser punishments, unlike the Carrows. Arguably this could be his worst life decision because it resulted in his death, however, it required tremendous bravery and meant he died a hero.
Albus Dumbledore - Being Headmaster Of Hogwarts
Dumbledore was always a guiding light for Harry and the rest of the students. By being headmaster, he was able to create the Order that defeated Voldemort in the first wizarding war. It also enabled him to form allies with people like Snape who effectively continued his work after he died.
Dumbledore always remained a protector of Harry and was mainly able to do so because of his role as headmaster. He was admired by many and held such a high status that he was the only wizard that Voldemort feared.
Ron Weasley - Destroying Salazar Slytherin's Locket
After being severely affected by the dark locket, Ron leaves Harry and Hermione alone to carry on their quest to find and destroy the Horcruxes. However, he soon finds his way back to his best friends and destroys the locket with the sword of Gryffindor.
This came with great difficultly, however, and Ron had to find a way to ignore Voldemort’s taunts about Harry and Hermione. Ron displayed remarkable strength here, showing that he was no less inferior to Harry and Hermione, not to mention it was a real turning point in this destruction of Horcruxes.
Hermione Granger - Forming Dumbledore's Army
When the students realized they weren’t learning the right ways to defend themselves, Hermione took it upon herself to gather several students and form Dumbledore’s Army. When the second wizarding war began, several members returned to help fight, including during the Battle of Hogwarts.
Although Harry was the head of Dumbledore’s Army and was the one who taught the other students how to defend themselves, Hermione was the brains behind it all and convinced him that he was worthy of teaching the other students.
Harry Potter - Surrendering To Voldemort
When Harry decides it’s time to surrender, he goes to the forbidden forest where Voldemort uses the killing curse on him. Unbeknownst to Voldemort, by doing this he only made himself weaker and killed the part of himself that has lived inside Harry for 17 years.
It’s strange that this turned out to be the best decision that Harry ever made. However, had he not made this choice, Voldemort would have never destroyed the one Horcrux he never intended to make that enabled him to die so that Harry could live.