Pampering (was Re:Harry at the Dursleys)

[kjirstem]

No: HPFGUIDX 118719


Del wrote:
> And then, things changed in OoP... Aunt Petunia knows about the Dementors and receives a Howler. Things aren't fun anymore.

Del later:
> For now, I'm still happier with Parody!Dursleys.

Lupinlore:
> If the Dursleys  are supposed to be "real" as opposed to over the top parodies then they are child abusers. And if Dumbledore is "real" in that context he is party to child abuse.  What is acceptable and uncontroversial behavior in a fairy tale is not acceptable and uncontroversial behavior in a story that aims to be "real." 

kjirstem:

That sentence of Petunia's certainly caused a major lurch in my
understanding of the Dursleys, but for me the effect was more that of
a mask slipping or a curtain accidentally pulled aside revealing
something beyond my previous knowledge.  I wouldn't go so far as to
say they are "real", just different.  And then the mask goes back up
and we're left wondering what we've seen.

In some ways this reminds me of Wizard of Oz (movie version) and the
humanity of the wizard being revealed...but he still isn't real
afterwards.