[HPFGU-OTChatter] Dursleys - Wizards

[Iggy McSnurd]

> Marita
>
> I don't have all my books here at the office so I can't quote directly,
> but I remember reading something about Muggles not being able to SEE them
> but they could FEEL them, i.e., hopeless, full of despair, etc.   When I
> read that passage about Dudley, I just assumed he was being overcome with
> those feelings and was reacting accordingly.
>
> Do Dementors distinguish between Muggles and wizard-folk?  Don't they just
> go after anyone unlucky enough to cross their paths?
>

Iggy here:

I don't know the exact passage either, but IIRC it was mentioned by Lupin
(on the train, I think, or in one of the sessions with Harry learning the
Patronus Charm) that Lupin informed Harry that Muggles can feel the presence
of Dementors.

Personally, I suffer from occasional and accute waves of severe ennui,
depression, or black moods that will hit me suddenly and then fade away
after a few minutes.  My wife knows exactly what I mean when I look at her
and say "I think that a Dementor just walked by..."

My theory is that Dementors never administer the "Kiss" on a Muggle... but
one may linger for a long time around a particularly emotional Muggle, thus
driving them into a state of neurosis and severe depression that may require
"inpatient" treatment at its most extreme levels.  It seems reasonable that
Dementors can feed on any strong emotion, but can only truly consume the
soul of a magical person.  (Of course, the administering the "Kiss" on a
Muggle MIGHT explain some of the instances of extreme catatonia that might
be found in some inpatient hospitals.  It's not that the person's mind has
snapped, it's that they have been "kissed" my a Dementor and their soul is
gone...)

Just my two centaur's worth

Iggy McSnurd