How long has Veron Dursely known about Petunia's family?

Fri Jan 3 22:51:09 UTC 2003

No: HPFGUIDX 49159

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, IAmLordCassandra at a... wrote:
> 
> Does it say anywhere how far back Veron Dursely knew that their 
> were witches/wizards on his wife's side of the family? I don't 
> imagine that Veron knew about it before they were married, even if 
> Petunia is strongly against wizarding kind. I don't think he would 
> want to put himself in a position where he could be connected in 
> any way with wizards. 
> My theory is that Veron didn't find out about the wizards in 
> Petunia's family until Harry arrived at their door. But what   
> about after that? Does he go around thinking 'My wife is related 
> to freaks. What if the neighbours ever find out? What if she has 
> wizard blood in her too?' 
> Thoughts? 
> 
> ~Cassie~ 

No, Vernon definitely knows about Petunia's embarrassing relations 
before Harry arrives. In the first pages of PS/SS he is quoted as 
not wanting anyone to find out about the Potters. Plus he puts funny 
clothes, flying owls, shooting stars together with the mention 
of 'Potters' and connects it with 'their lot'. 

As to whether he knew about it before Petunia was married: lots of 
people have embarrassing relations. The fact that they both find the 
Potters horribly embarrassing is something they have in common. ;0)

Again, in Book One, Vernon is actually worried about mentioning the 
Potters, because he knows how much it upsets his wife. When he 
thinks about being related to the Potters he is worried about people 
finding out that 'they', not 'his wife' are related to them.

Mind boggling as it is, Vernon and Petunia are actually fond of each 
other. [Grin]

Pip!Squeak