Chapters 1-4

[flying_ford_anglia at yahoo.com]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C1601
From: flying_ford_anglia
Subject: Re: Chapters 1-4
Reply To: [Yahoo! #1599] Re: Chapters 1-4
Date: 6/2/00 8:56 pm  (ET)

We're probably meant to be puzzled by the contrast between Harry's
upbringing and his character, because it enhances the fact that he is a
unique individual. He defeated Voldemort and if he has that power in him,
it ought to shield him from the harsh experiences of the Muggle world.

***
"I've written them a letter"

What exactly was in the letter Dumbledore wrote to the Dursleys? Hagrid
and Prof McGonagall obviously think the letter explains who Harry is,
what happened to his parents and when to tell him everything etc. but...

(a) the Dursleys know all about Hogwarts already - Petunia's sister Lily
went there, after all. As Dumbledore says, they will "be able to explain
everything to him when he's older."

(b) they seem to be under some unswerving obligation to look after
Harry. If they hate him that much, why didn't they just drop him on
another doorstep? He had no other relatives...

(c) why write to Dursleys about Harry being a wizard etc? He'd get a
letter from Hogwarts anyway, when he was 11 and Dumbledore didn't want
him to know anything until he was "ready to take it".

Conclusion: Dumbledore asked, charmed or paid the Dursleys to treat
Harry the way they did... or said something else entirely in that letter.

Perhaps...

Neil