Harry at the Dursleys

[annemehr]

No: HPFGUIDX 118339


Pippin: 
> IMO, Rowling is observing, in her satirical way, that Harry was 
> healthier for being forced to undereat slightly than being allowed 
> to stuff himself as Dudley was, just as he was healthier for being 
> made to do cleaning and yard work than being allowed to sit in 
> front of the TV and play video games all day long.

Annemehr:
And this is the real crux of the argument, isn't it?  Who is there who
doesn't think Harry is better off than Dudley?  So Dumbledore saved
his life *and* he was raised better than the pampered little prince.

I know. One can't help but think it could have been so much better.
But I agree that wizarding interference with the Dursleys could have
been catastrophic.  Sure, Lupin, Mad Eye, et al could afford to do it
at the end of OoP, but that's because Harry has so much more power in
that household now compared to when he was little.

> Pippin
> who can feel countless generations of Yiddische mama 
> ancestors cringing. What, you only had six pieces? You'll 
> starve! But in other cultures, privation is supposed to be good for 
> you.

Annemehr:
Well, you may be able to appease them by reading from passages about
the Burrow, and Ma Weasley trying to force Harry to eat fourth
helpings at every meal. Supplement that with a few Hogwarts feast
scenes...