Clue for the "ancient protection?"

[Ali]

No: HPFGUIDX 57652

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Kelly Grosskreutz"  > 

 
>>> I did wonder about how well Harry would've been protected had he 
been being watched by Marge or Yvonne.  If Petunia knew they would 
be incapable of protecting him, I find it interesting that she would 
not just say so to Vernon.  If she isn't saying so to Vernon, then 
there is at least one thing she is keeping from him.  I'd love to 
know what else she knows but hasn't told anyone, even her husband.  
Because for some reason, I find it hard to believe that the 
protection would extend so far as to one of Petunia's Muggle 
friends, even if Petunia did entrust Harry to her care.<<<

I agree with you that Petunia does know more than she's letting on, 
and I also like to imagine that Petunia is being this horrible and 
abusive to Harry because it is for his own good. However, the 
evidence is that she didn't like him and what he stood for even 
before she met him, and her future behaviour is in line with that 
feeling. It certainly seems plausible that the hate surrounding 
Harry contributes to his protection, just as Lily's love did.

Harry has been allowed to be by himself - after the London Zoo 
incident when he's finally allowed out of his cupboard, he walks 
round outside, by himself to escape Dudley and his gang. I think 
that Harry does still have residual protection when he is away from 
his family, but it reduces over time. 

The key thing about Dudley's birthday is that, it is illegal for 
kids to be left home alone under the age of 12 - and Harry was only 
10. The Dursleys are keen to be seen to law-abiding. From the 
Dursleys viewpoint Harry is a danger. A house has been blown up 
around him, he dyes his teacher's wig blue and he regrows his own 
hair. He is a danger in himself and a magnet for trouble. He must 
not be left alone in anything the Dursleys value. He can though, go 
outside by himself.

Ali