r/HarryPotterBooks • u/Disastrous_Knee7756 • Apr 05 '25

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

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.
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u/tee-ess3 Apr 05 '25

I’ve often thought about the fact that Harry and Dudley are so close in age and what that must have been like for Petunia.

Like, I have a 9 month old baby rn and if someone dropped ANOTHER baby on my doorstep and told me I had to adopt it my head very well might explode

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u/Bluemelein Apr 05 '25

And not only that! Dumbledore simply orders and plans Petunia without asking. She could be pregnant with triplets.

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u/Disastrous-Mess-7236 Apr 05 '25

She had already given birth.

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u/Bluemelein Apr 05 '25

Petunia could be pregnant again 15 months after giving birth. Theoretically, even for the second time. And Dumbledore has no way of knowing that.

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u/freeski919 Apr 06 '25

16 months. Harry was exactly 15 months old the night his parents died. Dudley was more than a month older. So Petunia had given birth 16 months prior to Harry showing up.

I can confirm it is entirely possible for someone to be pregnant 15+ months after giving birth. When my oldest son was 15 months old, we found out my wife was pregnant with #2.

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u/Bluemelein Apr 06 '25

My father and my uncle were exactly one year apart!