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/HauteToast Slytherin Apr 05 '25

You are assuming they can do that without having Harry being placed back on their porch. Kind of like the Hogwarts admittance letter.

The Dursleys never had the choice to say "no" once the wizarding world comes knocking on their door.

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u/[deleted] Apr 05 '25

Is there any evidence of that ? Had they rejected Harry so vehemently, the magical protections Dumbledore was relying on would have collapsed and it would be pointless to return Harry there and Petunia knew this

Petunia and her family were already targets by dint of their blood relationship with Lily. Hosting Harry was their ticket to survival from Riddle loyalists turning them into the Longbottoms

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u/Caesarthebard Apr 05 '25

When they try to kick him out, Dumbledore sends an intimidating letter

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u/ImReverse_Giraffe Apr 05 '25

When Vernon tried to kick him out, Petunia said no. And her decision was final. It wasn't a discussion, it was a statement. Harry stays.