DD at the Dursleys: Better Manner to Accept.

[steven1965aaa]

No: HPFGUIDX 158073

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <bboyminn at ...> wrote:

> Though, it is clear the Dumbledore initially expects the 
> Dursley to observe the minimum tradition of hospitality 
> and courtesy, and when they do not, he take matters (of 
> hospitality) into his own hands.
> 
> I find your assertion that Dumbledore is an uninvited 
> stranger at their door in the middle of the night to be
> wrong. 

Steven1965aaa:

I agree with Steve, as usual.  Dumbledore was NOT uninvited --- 
Harry, who lives in that house and is (well, at least kind of) a 
member of the family, invited him by replying "YES" by Owl. It's not 
Dumbldore's fault that Harry forgot to inform the Dursleys that he 
was coming.

As I've noted earlier, the Dursleys failed to offer DD any 
hospitality such as inviting him in, offering him a drink or a 
seat.  Contrast Snape's behavior towards Bella and Narcissa (who 
actually ARE uninvited) at Spinner's end. 

I think what this boils down to is a cultural difference.  What did 
DD do?  He offered them a drink and a seat.  Nothing wrong with 
that.  If someone dropped by my house and I failed to offer them a 
drink, and they pulled out a bottle of wine and some cups and 
offered me some, I'd be embarrased about MY lack of hospitality.  
But the WAY he did it --- now that's the thing here --- couch moved 
magically, cups materialized --- that may be the cultural norm in 
the WW but is not the  norm in the muggle world.  You could argue 
that DD should have been aware of this, and also of the Dursley's 
fear of magic, but I don't think it was such a big deal. It was just 
glasses in the air, not knives.  And remember, DD politely 
apologized ("I'm so sorry") and removed the glasses immediately once 
Vernon objected (will you get these ruddy things off of us!). 

Also IMR, Vernon interrupted DD several times while DD was talking 
("His godfather's dead?" --- "He's inherited a house?") so I don't 
think he was truly intimidated or scared of DD during this scene.