Harry and the Dursleys.

[pbnesbit at msn.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 14601

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Jamieson Wolf Villeneuve" 
<crowswolf at s...> wrote:
> Quick question for everyone...
> 
> Has anyone else wondered why Harry stays with the Dursleys? 
> Supposedly Rowling said she would reveal that in the fifth book. I 
> don't know if this has already been discussed, but think about it: 
he 
> can stay with Ron and the Weasleys, or Hermione's family for that 
> matter. 
> 
> So, it begs the question, why? I have a few theories...
> 
> 1)The Dursleys are his only remaing family members, aside from
> Sirius. 
> And since he can't stay with him, perhaps he feels that his parents 
> would want him to stay with family. Weak, I know.
> 
> 2)Well, I don't really have any other theories besides that. Which 
> comes to the reason for the posting...
> 
> Why would Harry stay with people who treat him so poorly? I'm 
really 
> at a loss over this one. I've been thinking and thinking and 
thinking 
> about why he would stay with them, and that's all I've come up 
with. 
> 
> I know it's not terribly creative, this is why I need other people 
> ideas. Let me know what you think everyone! :)
> 
> Jamieson
> 
> PS, I absolutely LOVE "Quidditch.." and "Fantastic Beasts..."!!! 
> They're so full of humor, it just makes me chuckle!

Harry is protected by 'ancient magic' when he's at the Dursley's.  In 
GoF, even Mouldy Voldy seems to know this: 
'But how to get at Harry Potter?  For he has been better protected 
than I think even he knows, protected in ways devised by Dumbledore 
long ago, when it fell to him to arrange the boy's future.  
*Dumbledore invoked an ancient magic, to ensure the boy's protection 
as long as he is in his relation's care.*  Not even I can touch him 
there...'  GoF, UK edition, p. 570  (italics mine)  So, even if he 
*wanted* to live with Sirius (assuming Sirius was cleared), he 
couldn't.  Same thing for the Weasleys.  Molly wanted Harry to come 
straight to stay with them, but Dumbledore sent him back to the 
Dursley's.  

Hope this helps,

Peace & Plenty,

Parker