When Petunia met James

[linlou43]

No: HPFGUIDX 70316

Darrin wrote:

> No, this isn't the beginning of a SHIP - yeeeeech.


    me:

  Thank goodness! You had me worried for a second there.

    
> I'm trying to get opinions and ideas on when Petunia was able to 
hear 
> from "that awful boy" about Azkaban. For the moment, let's assume 
the 
> awful boy is James, although I realize Petunia doesn't confirm 
this 
> when Harry asks her.


  me(linlou):

      My gut reaction on first reading this passage was that Petunia 
was lying through her teeth and I am still of that opinion. I do 
think the "that boy" comment was meant to imply James but I don't 
think he had anything to do with her knowledge of dementors or of 
Azkaban. The comment was simply a false attempt to explain knowledge 
she shouldn't have.
 
      In chapter 36 of GOF, The Parting of The Ways, Dumbledore 
explains to Fudge why he must take control of Azkaban away from the 
dementors. Specifically the quote in part is-

    "The rest of us sleep less soundly in our beds, Cornelius, 
knowing that you have put Lord Voldemort's most dangerous supporters 
in the care of creatures who will join him the instant he asks 
them!" said Dumbledore. "They will not remain loyal to you, Fudge! 
Voldemort can offer them much more scope for their powers and their 
pleasures than you can!"

       I took two possible ideas about the dementors from this 
passage. Either they were not around during the first war, or they 
were on Voldemort's side. Dumbledore makes it clear that the 
dementors would quickly go to V one asked. If they were around, I'm 
sure V was not so stupid as to not extend the invitation. In fact, 
he probably would have found it amusing for the dementors to 
administer their kiss on his orders. Either way they could NOT have 
been guarding Azkaban during the first war. Yet, presumably, Petunia 
heard about the dementors and Azkaban while Lily was still attending 
Hogwarts-during the war. Logically, it just couldn't be the case. 
Therefore, she must have been at least peripherally keeping up with 
what was going on in the WW since Harry was dropped on her doorstep.
Why? 

   -linlou