Petunia/Lilly Wedding Parties (WAS Re: New Poll...)

[hannahwonder at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 82930

In a message dated 10/13/03 2:23:48 AM, hickengruendler at yahoo.de writes:

<< (snipped)

But I must say, that I personally don't think, that Petunia was at 
the wedding. I actually can't see Vernon forbidding anything to 
Petunia. He is always very nice to her and Dudley, and I don't think 
he ever forbid them anything. I also think that it's really Petunia, 
who has the say in the family. Vernon is always shouting and she 
remains silent, but I think it's mostly because she agrees with him 
or doesn't care either way. But as soon as the howler arrived, she 
decided what should happen with Harry. Vernon could have thrown him 
out anyway, even if Petunia doesn't agree with it. But obviously he 
doesn't want to annoy her.

>>

Now me (Hannah):

You have an excellent argument; I think I have to remain undecided on 
Petunia. I could see either Donna's theory that Petunia became embittered toward 
Lilly after her marriage, but also your point, that she has the say in the family. 
In the end, I don't think Petunia was at the Potters' wedding, whether Lilly 
wanted her as part of the wedding party or not. I just can't decide if this is 
because of her own decision or Vernon's influence.

I like your example of the howler for her own choice, but I can't think of 
many other cases where this has happened. This isn't to say that she is 
submissive to whatever Vernon wants, certainly, but she doesn't seem to be bossing 
/him/ around too much.

Hannah