Dursley's

[Quimby Masters]

No: HPFGUIDX 59361

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Leslie Douglas 
<gundum_gurl700 at y...> wrote:
> --- opoptionspinkrote:
> > If the DuDursley dislike the Potter's as much as it
> > seems why did 
> > they take Harry in?  Why not just send him to an
> > orphanage as 
> > suggested by Aunt Marge in PoPoA
> 
I've wondered if it wasn't, at least in part, because of the 
Dursley's intense need to  be liked.  Taking in an orphan boy (and 
complaining about how difficult he is) is an easy way to gain 
sympathy.  I suppose they could've sent him to an orphanage and 
tried to cover it up, but the chance of someone finding out would 
probably be too big a risk.  I'm sorry, I don't have my book with me, 
but doesn't it say in PS that Aunt Petunia discovered the baby when 
she went to pick up the milk?  If that's the case, who knows who 
already saw the baby?  Certainly the milkman, and wouldn't he ask 
questions if he didn't see an extra child?  We know Aunt Petunia is a 
gossip, and gossips often think other people are talking about them 
as often as they are talking about other people.  Think of the horror 
she'd feel if she thought her neighbors were talking about her 
dumping a child at an orphanage.  On the other hand, think of the 
pleasure she'd feel if she thought her neighbors were talking about 
the wonderful charity she'd shown by taking this child into her home.

Just my 2 knuts.

Quimby