Speaking up for Petunia

[oiboyz]

No: HPFGUIDX 83660

"Ali" <Ali at z...> wrote:
> If Petunia craved respectability and normality above all else, then 
> I would suspect that the only thing important enough for her to 
take 
> in her despised nephew, was to stop something that was a threat to 
> that way of life. I believe that either Petunia or Dudley had shown 
> some sign of magical power, and Petunia's pact with Dumbledore was 
> to prevent it from being taken any further. I have chosen to think 
> that it was Dudley who at a young age had shown some magical 
> prowess, Petunia's reaction to it was Dudley's worst memory. What 
> would be worse for Petunia than her own beloved son showing signs 
of 
> the very thing that she despises most? Petunia dealt with 
> this "problem" by smothering Dudley, in an effort to protect him 
> from himself. Perhaps the pact with Dumbledore was to stop Dudley 
> getting a Hogwarts letter. If Petunia then threw Harry out, 
> Dumbledore would make Dudley aware of his magical inheritance. 
Thus, 
> Petunia deals with Harry's magical abilities by trying to squash 
> them out, without success, but by pampering her son, she proves 
> successful.>>


oiboyz:
   That's an interesting theory, and I think it fits Petunia's and 
Dudley's personalities very well (not to mention that it would be too 
cool if Dudley turned out to be a wizard too...)

   I can't agree with it, only because I can't picture Dumbledore 
agreeing to deny any child (even a Dursley child) his birthright of 
magic.  If the magic talent was in Petunia, and she herself begged 
not to go to Hogwarts, that would be a different matter...

   I believe the "pact" Petunia sealed was simply the activation of 
the blood protection over Harry.  She was unwilling and grudging, but 
not even Petunia wanted to leave baby Harry in grave danger when her 
participation could save his life.

   --oiboyz