Question about Hogwarts' tuition

[suehpfan]

No: HPFGUIDX 90589

snip
As to how Harry pays his bills, I 
> would assume that there is special access granted to his vault at 
> Gringotts, though what that access is I don't know. There must be 
> some sort of direct deposit system that transfers funds, like a WW 
> Western Union, as we have seen nothing of wizard credit cards or 
> checks. But to move slightly off topic, there seems to me to be a 
> lot of unanswered questions about the operation of Gringotts. 
more snipping> 
Meri - who goes back to lurkdom with joyous thoughts of Arthur 
> Weasley trying (and failing) to balance a checkbook

I have often wondered about this as well.  In PS/SS Harry comments 
that he doesn't think the Dursley's hatred of anything magical would 
stop them from invading his vault.  The Dursley's (well, Vernon) have 
said on many occaisions that caring for Harry was a great financial 
burden.  Wouldn't it just be typical if we find out in the end that 
the Dursley's were given a large sum of money upfront, or monthly 
payments to care for Harry?  And even that the money that has been 
provided for his care was spent instead on Dudley?  We know they will 
lie, would they also steal?

Every time I think of these types of things, I wonder more and more 
about Petunia.  I have believed, since the begining, she will turn 
out to be more of an ally than Harry ever imagined.  Not because she 
has done such a great job of caring for him but because she has the 
information he needs and will soon provide.  Perhaps she will also 
shed some light on the financial provisions made for Harry and if 
there were some where they went.

Sue, who cannot imagine putting her nephew in the cupboard.