Why harry must stay at the Dursleys (was Beginning at the Dursleys)

[Haggridd]

No: HPFGUIDX 65417

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "findmeabargain" 
<findmeabargain at y...> wrote:
 
> As I read it, he needs not hide-out at the Dursleys for as long as 
> he's not at Hogwarts. So long as he calls #4 Privet home and 
returns 
> there annually for however long a stay, the blood protection works.
 
> -findmeabargain

Other posters have speculated that all Harry need do is visit the 
Dursleys at some time during the summer for the old magic to work.  
I believe that the requirement is more specific:  that on his 
birthday, the Dursleys home must be Harry's home.  This would 
explain why he never leaves the Dursleys until after his birthday 
in the first four books.  JKR takes care to mention that Harry's 
birthday has occurred, if only in passing, even when there is no 
story taking place on that day.

I find this theory more satisfying than other less specific 
requirements for his stay with Vernon, Petunia and "Big D".

-Haggridd