DD's dilemma (was: Hogwarts Teachers - Lockhart)

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 126296


Hickengruendler:
But here you assume, that Dumbledore knew when exactly Voldemort 
would return. But Dumbledore didn't know.... 

Lupinlore: 
Actually, no, I don't assume that.  I just think his reasoning of
letting Harry suffer is morally unjustified.  It amounts to stopping
his ears, closing his eyes, and constantly muttering "Voldemort 
might be coming," to himself to drown out the sound of a child 
crying in a closet....
 
Hickengruendler:
I do agree with you that Dumbledore should have, if not 
threatened the Dursleys, than at least *reminded* them, that he 
has an eye on Harry and expects that they treat him at least 
civilly.
 
Lupinlore:
Without an answer to this, at best DD looks mealy mouthed in OOTP.  
At worst he comes off as manipulative and cold-hearted.  
 
 SSSusan:
This is where this particular discussion topic always seems to come 
to an end, Lupinlore.  You are firm in your view that it is NEVER 
alright to turn a blind eye to abuse.  But I have never seen a 
response which really addresses the dilemma many of us think DD 
faced:  that if he threatened the Dursleys, they could just wash 
their hands of Harry, say, "Fine!  We don't want the brat anyway."  
At which point they could turn him out, send him to an orphanage, 
call in the Muggle authorities, or what have you.  


Alla:

But are you SURE that Dumbledore indeed faced that dilemma? Because 
from the books I have not gotten the clear impression that he indeed 
did that.

That is exactly what i meant under "better explanation of those 
issues". I am not convinced that Dursleys would have thrown Harry 
out, because if JKR would have showed  that to me, I'd have less 
problems with Dumbledore than I have now.

So far the examples been given tell me the contrary - that when 
Howler came, Petunia insists that Harry stays. When Order wants, they 
have no problem threatening Dursleys. I mean, sure posters came up 
with many convincing explanations of why that happened, but in the 
text I don't see much indication that Dursleys would have thrown 
Harry out.

Just my opinion,

Alla