Dumbledore & Dursleys-What DD Knew

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 123330


 
> SSSusan:
> Okay, but I feel that you're not really addressing what I'm 
saying. I *know* you're very upset about Harry's treatment and that 
DD did nothing about it.  But I'm saying WHAT IF DD couldn't push 
too hard  because the Dursleys might just BACK OUT OF THE DEAL, 
might just say -- oh, maybe, for instance, when Harry was age 5 or 
age 7? -- "We  don't CARE anymore.  He's yours!"  If DD thought that 
was a real possibility, then he has very little leverage.  So what 
could DD have  done then?  How would he have protected little 
Harry?  That's what I  would like to know:  if the Dursleys had 
backed out, what options  would have been available to DD for 
ensuring Harry's safety?

Potioncat:
I think SSSusan is on the right track.  This is a universe where a 
child can be magically made to participate in a dangerous 
competition because his name was put in a goblet. No matter that he 
wasn't the one who entered his name.  This is a universe where a 
house-elf is magically freed if he is given clothing, even if the 
wizard didn't mean to give him the clothing. Harry's protected at 
the Durleys as long as he can call it  home,  but if they kick him 
out, he's done for. I think DD had to weigh the risks, and this was 
his best choice.