Harry's questions ... parents - Dangerous Questions

[delwynmarch]

No: HPFGUIDX 117402


Steve wrote:
" In this dangerous and irrational environment, you learn very quickly
to stay as small, unobtrusive, and as invisible as possible. To us, a
question is a question, but to someone in an abusive situation, a
question is a dangerous and potential deadly thing. So, you learn to
avoid them."

Del replies :
I agree with your explanation of the psychology of an abused child.

However, by OoP, Harry is no longer reacting like an abused kid. He's
firmly on the way to recovery.

He's been challenging Uncle Vernon's abusive authority for several
years now. In OoP, he makes it very clear that he has no more fear of
Dudley. And above everything else, he asks questions to the last
person on Earth he would normally : Petunia.

After the Dementor attack, and all the way until he's whisked off to
12GP, he keeps bugging Aunt Petunia for answers. And yet as soon as he
gets to 12GP, he forgets about asking questions ! Sirius even has to
"remind" him that he has questions on his mind ! And yet, even after
Sirius makes it crystal clear that no matter what the others think, he
is willing to answer any of Harry's questions, Harry does not ask anymore.

He asked Petunia, the very one who drilled "Don't ask questions" in
his head, but he doesn't ask anyone else. It's not logical to me.

Del