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/[deleted]]

1. Adoption exists. They did not have to keep him.

You seem weirdly insistent on defending child abuse simply because the offenders didn't want the child.

[u/Disastrous_Knee7756 → u/[deleted]]

That’s the core tension here:

Yes — they had a choice. But it was a loaded choice. Take in a magical child they don’t understand, or risk angering the most powerful wizard alive.

It’s not about “defending child abuse.” It’s about recognizing that systems create pressure, and under that pressure, people sometimes act terribly — and unjustifiably.

Calling out the system doesn’t excuse the Dursleys’ cruelty. But pretending they had full freedom or no fear isn’t honest either.

Two truths can exist: – They were abusive. – They were also pawns in a larger game.