A thought which occurred when commencing a complete re-read

[annemehr]

No: HPFGUIDX 99563

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Phil Boswell" <phil_hp7 at y...>
wrote:
> Book 1, Chapter 1, Page 1.
> 
> How *did* the Dursleys know that the Potters had a small son if they
> were so intent on ignoring their existance?
> 
> Indeed, how did Vernon know that Harry was "about the same age" as
> Dudley?
> -- 
> Phil
> with apologies if this is a FAQ but it doesn't appear on any list I've
> seen

Annemehr:
I am thinking that though Petunia had decided to ignore Lily's
existence, the decision wasn't mutual.  I'm sure that, shortly after
Harry's birth, Lily wrote to her sister and told her about it.  Lily
probably would have liked to reconcile with Petunia.

As the reaction to getting a letter from Lily would have been a bad
one in the Dursleys' house, Vernon would no doubt have remembered that
it happened shortly after Dudley was born.  After all, it's only 15
months later that he's remembering.

Of course, this is pure speculation, but given what we know of the
Dursleys, the little we know of Lily, and the fact that Vernon *did*
know about Harry, the conclusion is irresistible.

Annemehr