Is it worse for Harry or Dudley at 4 Privet?

[cubfanbudwoman]

No: HPFGUIDX 96430

Jem wrote:

> You have to wonder, just how he was treated as a baby, since he 
> was only one when he came to Number 4 Privet Drive.  If he was 
> ignored and kept in a closet, how did he learn to walk? To talk? 
> To be polite? To be able to interact with others? Surely, 
> Petunia must have bestowed "some" kindness (perhaps when Vernon 
> was at work?) on Harry. I still believe she isn't as mean as she 
> would have us....but more likely Vernon....think! "Blood is 
> thicker than water" has a curious ring to it!
> 
> djrfdh who would really like to give Harry a hug!


Siriusly Snapey Susan:
Harry was 15 months old when left at 4 Privet Drive.  I know that 
doesn't sound like much difference from saying he was 1, but to 
anyone who's had a child, the difference can be pretty major.  
Infants learn so much, so rapidly, that 3 months out of 15 months 
can be a pretty major amount of time.  Most babies *have* begun to 
walk by 15 months.  My kids were late walkers but had learned by 15 
months.  Many babies have begun to talk a little, too, by 15 
months.  

As for learning to be polite, I suspect that Harry had the need for 
*that* particular nicety crammed down his throat routinely by Uncle 
Vernon!  Remember how much the Dursleys are into appearances, after 
all.  They'd want Harry to act as normal as a kid who's been forced 
to sleep in a cupboard under the stair and to wait hand & foot on 
his relatives can act.  Part of acting normal, in their eyes, is 
being polite, respectful and knowing his place.  He learned these 
things through fear & threats, rather than having it modeled to him, 
but I think he learned it from the Dursleys alright.

I think Petunia does understand what's happening w/ Harry & Privet 
Drive & her role in things much more than Vernon does, but I have my 
doubts about her being *nice* to Harry while Vernon was away at 
work.  I just cannot imagine it.

Siriusly Snapey Susan