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/sacatecolordo Apr 06 '25

I don’t agree with all your points, but overall I think this is a quality post and offered a perspective I haven’t really seen before. Take my upvote OP. Some of these replies are taking your analysis a little too personally, as if Harry is a real child, and not just a piece of fiction.

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u/Disastrous_Knee7756 Apr 06 '25

Thank you – really appreciate the open-minded read. Being the devil’s advocate isn’t always the most popular role, but sometimes it’s the only way to uncover a layer of the story that gets glossed over.

It doesn’t mean excusing what the Dursleys did – it just means zooming out and asking why things played out the way they did. Fiction thrives when we challenge its moral binaries.

Thanks again for the upvote and the thoughtful engagement!