Vernon's odd behavior

[Michael Perry]

No: HPFGUIDX 160445

> > thekrenz <HPforGrownups at thekrenz> wrote:
> > Why does Vernon so viciously try to keep Harry from going
> > back to Hogwarts? One would assume Vernon would be quite
> > pleased to be rid of Harry, so why does he exert so much
> > effort to keep Harry at Privet Drive?
>
>
> kat7555:
> The Dursleys are evil IMO. They never showed Harry the least bit
> of affection before they knew he even had magicial powers. They
> allowed Dudley to abuse Harry and other children and they did
> nothing about it. The Dursleys knew Harry considered Hogwarts to
> be home so they want to prevent him from being with people who
> care about him. I loved Dumbledore's rebuke of them in HBP. It
> should've happened a long time ago.



First, I think the Dursleys are necessary for the plot. You have to have a
background that keeps HP humble. There's nothing like that as well as an
"evil" upbringing prior to him being a major figure. That's probably the
author's point.

That said, think of it from the Dursley's point. Here's a sister who was
suddenly no longer the attention of her parents. She's a non-entity from her
parent's view... though that's right or not... it's how she sees it. He
marries her and he's of her point of view, as he sees it. He's blinded to
her real feelings.

She takes HP in because of her deep seated guilt at having abandoned her
sister. She's probably been told that this is her due. She feels this more
deeply than the plot has revealed so far... or will probably ever reveal.
Family has meaning... and she feels trapped by this meaning... and her
husband is picking up on the wrong signals.

In either case, both feel their son can do no wrong. That's not totally out
of line for many families. She has an obligation (as presented in the latter
letter to her, which gets her somewhat back in line... can't let the nephew
be killed due to negligence... but also can't counter my husband).

I think she wanted to "kill" the magical factor, but knew it couldn't
happen. Her husband, however, went nuts for a while, trying to protect the
wife... and keep HP down. It doesn't work, though they both ignore their son
for a while... letting him be miserable. It's more important to protect
their limited view of HP, rather than accepting facts. It's more important
to him to maintain, rather than letting their lifestyle be affected. Vernon
will let anything come to be, rather than alter his view of life.

mperry600256