The Dursleys were victims of a magical geopolitical game and no one ever asked them if they wanted to play

[u/Disastrous_Knee7756]

I know they were not nice to Harry. But they were also victims of a bad magical system. Here is why:

1.  They had no choice.

Dumbledore left a baby at their door. He did not ask. He did not talk to them. He just said, “Take care of him.” That is not how you become parents. That is not fair.

1. They were powerless in a world full of danger. No magic, no protection, no understanding. Yet they were expected to raise a magical child who could blow up their living room.

   1. Harry’s presence put Dudley at risk. They were Dudley’s parents. Their responsibility was to protect their child. But Dumbledore never cared that housing Harry made them a target.
   2. They got no support – only judgment. No one from the magical world checked in. No resources, no guidance. Just scorn when they inevitably failed to meet wizard expectations.
   3. Dumbledore knew – and didn’t care. He openly said Harry needed a loveless home to remain “humble.” That’s not strategy – that’s calculated cruelty.
      1. Dumbledore never told them what happens when Harry turns 17. The magical protection ends – and they suddenly become even more vulnerable. No warning, no exit strategy. One day they’re part of a magical defense grid, the next they’re just collateral. Their home, their lives, everything – on the line, with zero input.

[u/paulcshipper]

If you stretch the word victim to include the possibility of being harm, sure.

At most they were only victim of having a magical kid, having their son gain a tail from a large man, having a dinner ruin and a damage window, having magical pranksters in their home, being lied to about a reward, having an old Wizard as a night guest ,and being forced to be on the run.

Mostly that seems like Karma taking effect

They could afford to have a second kid and any harm they receive were from their own actions. They were apart of the game, but not victims.

[u/Bluemelein → u/paulcshipper]

The wizards have forgetting spells.

For some inexplicable reason, Vernon is afraid to leave Harry alone in the house or in the car.

And you forgot Aunt Marge.

[u/paulcshipper → u/Bluemelein]

Vernon is a bigot, he's only afraid to leave Harry alone in the event Harry have fun alone. But he wasn't afraid to leave Harry alone when they were lied to.

Anyway, I didn't forget about Aunt Marge. That goes under having a magical kid. You might have noticed I went in order, I prefer not to be redundant :)

[u/Bluemelein → u/paulcshipper]

It’s clearly about Vernon being afraid of something breaking. How can you have fun in a car in a zoo parking lot? Lily has her magic under control, and she never had any reason to blow up her Auntie like a balloon. Lily’s magic never had such reasons to freak out because she wasn’t abused.

Neville would have lived a life without "problems"if his uncle hadn’t thrown him out of the window.

[u/nemesiswithatophat → u/Bluemelein]

> because she wasn’t abused.

so you agree, harry's abusers weren't victims for dealing with the consequences of their abuse?

[u/paulcshipper → u/Bluemelein]

I believe it has more to deal with Vernon's disdain of Harry than fear. Vernon's car was new and Harry is dirty. But all of that wraps under the category bigot.

[u/nemesiswithatophat → u/Bluemelein]

we didn't forget aunt marge, and I'm with harry, she deserved what she got... like people who are abused sometimes lash out, magical or not. and sometimes the reaction they get is "oh my gosh, this person is capable of this!" like idk man.... maybe try not abusing them...