The Dursleys (was many other subjects) long

[Peggy]

No: HPFGUIDX 124611


Tonks, that's a very kind and compassionate evaluation of Petunia's 
position and you've clearly thought very hard about what finding 
Harry on the doorstep might be like for Petunia.  

I, myself, have pointed out to other people who aren't as Potter-
obsessed as I am, that the Dursleys, especially Petunia, appear to be 
very, very frightened.  I've also told these same people that there's 
no conscionsable reason for the Dursley's to be so vile to the poor 
kid.

There's no excuse for depriving a child of food, for physically 
attacking him (Petunia swings a skillet at him, Vernon grabs him by 
the neck and threatens to punch him several times), or for allowing 
other people (Marge) to insult a child and allow a dog to attack him 
without interfering.

Harry's upbringing was brutal. I will not excuse the sort of behavior 
demonstrated by the Dursley's as "poor things, they're so frightened, 
they don't know what they're doing."  Garbage.  They're adults, and 
subject to the same standards of behavior as any other adults.  

DD is just as responsible.  If he can address an envelope to "Harry 
Potter, The Cupboard Under the Stairs, 4 Privet Drive" he can sure as 
h@@@ keep track of how Harry's being treated and use the odd Howler 
to ensure that certain minimum standards are being met.

Peg--for whom the whole subject of Harry's life with the Dursley's 
hits some very raw nerves.  Which is why this is my first and last 
post on the subject.