question about Harry the Dursleys and presents

[purple_801999]

No: HPFGUIDX 45568


Julie wrote-

> I was wondering, I'm almost positive I heard someone before say 
that 
> Harry had never received presents before Hagrid gave him Hedwig.  
> Maybe I'm wrong.  But I am rereading the books again, slowly before 
> the 5th book comes out soon, and I notice that in SS Harry mentions 
> his birthdays never being exactly fun, but that he'd been given a 
> coat hanger and a pair of Uncle Vernon's old socks. 
> 
> I can almost reason then that the Dursleys would think it abnormal 
> not to receive presents for Christmas and birthdays, and perhaps 
this 
> is why they send him little stupid things all year round?
> 


I think it was meant as Harry had never recieved a proper present 
from anyone. A coat hanger and a pair of vile socks aren't exactly 
something Harry would want or need, especially when compared to the 
gifts showered on Dudley.

The Dursley's might send Harry gifts, as lame as they maybe, so that 
they could at least say, "Well,we always sent the boy something at 
the holidays!" if ever questioned or accused by Harry about their 
treatment of him.

-Olivia Grey