[HPforGrownups] Re: Petunia;well adjusted Harry

[Kelsey Dangelo]

No: HPFGUIDX 114204

Hannah: 

> I agree with Leah on this one.  I'm not exactly standing 
> up for Petunia - it is undeniable that the Dursleys treated Harry 
> badly - but they must have provided at least some care for Harry, 
> for him to have survived.  Bear in mind that Petunia is obsessed 
> with appearances and what the neighbours think.  She isn't going to 
> be too cruel to a baby in her care.
> 
> I agree that Petunia took in Harry as a baby, when he was at least 
> quite cute.  She probably had some sort of vicious pleasure in 
> thinking that she was taking over her sister's role, and that she 
> could bring the boy up, squashing the magic out of him. As he grew 
> up, she realised that it wasn't going to be as easy as all that.
> 
> She's a lot like Snape, in that she seems unable to put aside her 
> feelings about someone long dead (in her case Lily) and behave in 
> an adult way towards that person's child.  



Kelsey:

I agree with Hannah that Petunia has a lot in common with Snape. Although I never thought about it, it makes perfect sense.

Niether Petunia nor Snape are overly rational people that are able to separate their emotions from their actions.

Both of them are motivated (in part) by fear. Petunia keeps Harry around because she's afraid of the consequences (Dumbledore). Yet, she's also afraid of the danger inherent in harboring the arch-nemesis of the Dark Lord (she knew about Dementors, she must know about this, even if she hates the wizarding world). Harry is a danger to her family (Vernon and Duddley). She's mean because she's nervous and upset.

Snape has to show animosity to Harry for the sake of keeping up appearances. He's afraid that Harry might inadvertently reveal his identity as a spy. Harry makes Snape feel uncomfortable and nervous.

For both of them, Harry is a real danger because of his position with Voldemort.

The fact that Harry reminds them both so strongly of his parents, whom both Snape and Petunia strongly disliked, is another reason that he becomes an outlet for their discomfort. Plus, we don't yet know how much James and Lily may have put Snape and Petunia in danger.

Yet maybe both Petunia and Snape realize Harry's importance (his future of destroying Voldemort). Petunia knows of the danger of Voldemort (her sister was blown up) and may realize that if Harry succeeds, she won't have to live in fear any more (in the very least, from Dumbledore).

Kelsey