[HPforGrownups] Re: DD's dilemma (was: Hogwarts Teachers - Lockhart)

[Magda Grantwich]

No: HPFGUIDX 126317

--- cubfanbudwoman <susiequsie23 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> The Dursleys were under no obligation to keep Harry.  You mention 
> that we get no indication they would have thrown him out.  I happen
> to believe that DD "sweetened the deal" by offering some sort of 
> protection to the Dursleys in exchange for their taking Harry in, 
> hoping they'd be more willing to do so, but we don't know that yet 
> either.  I think this was an extra step that DD likely took to help
> ensure the Dursleys would keep Harry, but it would be no guarantee 
> of their doing so.


I agree, and will add that I think once the Dursleys got over their
shock at finding a baby on the doorstep, they struck a hard bargain
that ensured that no "freak" wizard or witch would his or her face
around Privet Drive while Harry was growing up.  Dumbledore agreed,
and placed a squib in the neighbourhood instead.  

I really, really hope we're not going to go off on another fruitless
round of squabbling over whether child abuse is a Very Bad Thing.  We
all agree on that.  The question is whether what Harry had to put up
with was child abuse or just really bad parenting.  

As I said before, I think that its clear that Harry was not
frightened of the Dursleys pre-PS/SS and the way he demands his
letters from Uncle Vernon doesn't indicate to me that he was cowering
in terror from him.  Harry is wary not to give them a reason to send
him to his closet and he certainly doesn't like them but he was not
an abused child.

Magda

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