[HPforGrownups] What did Vernon know about the WW?

[T.M. Sommers]

No: HPFGUIDX 68312

ratalman wrote:
> In re-reading SS, in the scene where Hagrid delivers the 
> acceptance letter from Hogwarts to Harry, I was struck by 
> something Vernon Dursley shouts to Hagrid.  Hagrid has just 
> stated that when Harry attends Hogwarts, "he'll be under the 
> greatest headmaster Hogwarts ever had, Albus Dumbled--"
> To which Vernon shouts:  "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME 
> CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!"  If 
> Vernon is not already familiar with Albus Dumbledore, how does 
> he know that he is "old"?  To me, this begs the question, what 
> more does Vernon know about the wizarding world?  Could the 
> fact that he does have some knowledge, help to explain his great 
> fear?

Maybe he just assumed that the headmaster would not be young.  Or 
maybe he met Dumbledore while courting Petunia, if Dumbledore had 
happened to be visiting Lily.