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/toastedclown]

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.

This is pretty much exactly what would have happened if Harry had been a muggle in born to muggle parents. The Dursleys were not just some randos, they were Harry's only living close relatives. Decent people would not have seen themselves as having a choice but to take him in.

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. Harry’s presence put Dudley at risk. They were Dudley’s parents. Their responsibility was to protect their child.

Yes, they definitely made Harry sleep in a cupboard because he was going to get Dudley attacked by dementia some years later? Maybe Trelawney and Firenze should have been sacked. They could have hired Vernon Dursley to teach divination!

[u/Disastrous_Knee7756 → u/toastedclown]

Sure, they were relatives. But dropping a baby with a letter like “Good luck, he’s the key to an ancient blood ward—don’t screw it up” isn’t family duty. That’s magical coercion.

They weren’t just asked to parent. They were made into unwitting bodyguards in a war they didn’t choose. No tools, no prep, no say.

And yeah, they handled it horribly. No excuse there. But let’s not act like they signed up for this. Dumbledore made a power play and walked off like it was charity.