Harry's protection at the Dursleys' - how long must he stay?

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 146784

> > Jen: 
> > I think you're right. Dumbledore requested that the Dursleys 
> > allow Harry to return 'once more, to this house, before his 
> > seventeenth birthday, which will ensure that the protection 
> > continues until that time.' (Chap. 3) Harry heard that comment 
> > and probably understands he doesn't have to stay until his 
> > birthday.
 
> tropicwhale:
> Reread the books, he never left the Dursleys' before his birthday, 
> July 31, so a month. 

Jen: What about in HBP when Harry left after a fortnight and 
celebrated his birthday at the Weasleys? I'm not clear whether your 
argument is the protection won't work if Harry doesn't stay until 
after his birthday, or if you are describing what you think will 
happen for plot purposes in Book 7.

I was writing about the protection, whether Harry needs to stay 
until his birthday for the protection to continue. From what 
Dumbledore said (quoted above) and the fact Harry left Privet Dr. 
after two weeks in HBP, it doesn't seem there's a set length of time 
he must stay for the protection to be activated. The activation 
trigger seems to be Petunia--will she allow him houseroom one more 
time? I think she will because there are still plot points to tie up 
with her <g> and possibly other surprises.

tropicwhale:
> I guess he'll be picked up by Ron and Hermione his 17 
> birthday to start searching for the horcruxes, after Fleur and 
> Bill's wedding, of course.

Jen: Ron said they'll be going with Harry to Privet Dr. That could 
change, but I'm hoping to see the Dursleys dealing with two extra 
magical people in the house. They can always stay with Mrs. Figg if 
Vernon won't allow it!

Jen R.