question about Harry the Dursleys and presents

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 45571

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "purple_801999" <purple_801999 at y...> wrote:
> 
> 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.  
> > ...snip... but that he'd been given a  coat hanger and a pair of 
> > Uncle Vernon's old socks. 
> >  ...snip...
-End Julie-

> Olivia replied:
> 
> I think it was meant as Harry had never recieved a proper present 
> from anyone. ...snip...
> 
> 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

bboy_mn adds:
I've also suspected that Hedwig turns up at the Dursley's around
Christmas and pesters them into sending Harry something. Hedwig
probably makes a lot of noise and attacts the neighbors, and the
Dursley's throw something (pence, tissue, toothpick) into an envelope
just to get rid of Hedwig.

Of course, I agree with Olivia and her assessment of the guilt factor.
The Dursleys are big on putting up a respectable front. They wouldn't
want anything to tanish the dull boring sedate middle class existance.

just a couple of thoughs.

bboy_mn