Harry and the Dursleys

[imamommy at sbcglobal.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 54630

Susan wrote:
I always assumed that they thought HARRY would be the one who would 
blow it up. I'm sure that's what Harry thought, too. But yesterday it 
suddenly occurred to me that they were afraid of VOLDEMORT coming 
around and blowing up the house, if Harry was in it alone. 

Me:
I think you're on to something.  I don't know if the Dursleys are 
making the actual leap, but I think at least Vernon doesn't really 
distinquish between a good witch and a bad witch.  (Maybe he needs to 
watch The Wizard of Oz...)  If Petunia is a Squib, she should know 
better, but then they always seem to take the attitude that magic is 
dangerous and unnatural.  Maybe all they know for sure is:  Sister is 
witch.  Sister marries wizard.  Sister gets killed and her house gets 
blown up.  Maybe they think *any* witch or wizard might blast apart 
their house at any time, and they don't want to leave Harry in a 
position where another wizard might come try.  (The Weasley-Floo 
Powder explosion was pretty funny though...)

I wonder what Lily and Petunia's relationship was like before L was 
accepted to Hogwarts.  Were they close, or has P always been jealous
(and IMHO she *is* jealous, squib or not) of L?  Is that why she 
spoils Dudley so much?  Is she rewarding him for turning out "normal" 
and trying to make up for attentions she never got?
Another thing:  why *didn't* the Dursley's turn Harry over to an 
orphanage?  I sure would like a peek at the letter Dumbledore wrote 
them.  What could he possibly say that would have compelled them to 
keep him?  And why would they keep him if they never intended to even 
try to love him?

Susan also indicated that perhaps some of Harry's power of secrecy is 
in the company of his relatives.  Does anyone have any ideas as to 
how this would work?  I like the idea, but I can't see them agreeing 
to be his secret keepers or anything.

Imamommy