[HPforGrownups] Re: Why was Harry sent to live with the Dursleys?

[Susan Hall]

No: HPFGUIDX 21745


>However, I am with you in that I totally disagree with "he would have
> big head if he was brought up in the magical world."

I think Dumbeldore is not telling McGonagall all his thoughts on the matter.
Let's suppose that Harry could be brought up in the wizarding world.  Let's
also suppose that Dumbledore considers the available candidates, who have to
be (1) willing to bring up  baby (2) capable of bringing up  baby (without
letting it be eaten by wild animals, leaving it in the pub or absentmindedly
putting it out with the used cat litter or feeding it experimental potions)
(3) not in jail (4) not in St Mungos (5) not in likely contact with the old
Death Eater crowd (6) not so prominent in the recent unpleasantness as to be
the target of revenge attacks by ex Death Eaters in their own right (7) not
so incompetent at DADA as to be unable to fend off any revenge attacks that
might occur.

The only realistic answer of the one's we've met are the Weaseleys.  But if
Harry had been brought up by the Weaseleys while he would have had a happy
secure and supportive childhood  he would have absorbed the same prejudices
about were wolves and giants that Ron has.  One of the big advantages he has
is that because he spent the first 11 years of his life as an oppressed
minority persecuted for being different he brings a level of empathy to his
dealings with others that Ron (and other wizard children) lack.

Susan