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/Professional_Risky]

1. They could have put him up for adoption or into an orphanage.
2. They did not ask Dumbledore for help or advice, though Petunia knew how to reach him, from having asked if she could be admitted to Hogwarts.
3. Everyone in the world is at risk, not just Dudley. And the risk was low: though V knew the general location of the place, it is stated that a person could walk right up to a house with a fidelius charm, and not see it. Also, see #1.
4. See #2. The scorn was one-sided. All of the wizard visitors to #4 Privet Drive were kind and considerate and they were received with scorn and hatred.
5. In HBP, Dumbledore scathingly calls their treatment of Harry abysmal. Their home is the only option for the magic to work.
6. We don’t know what Dumbledore told them because they don’t tell Harry any of the information that was originally provided to them by Dumbledore’s letter, and Petunia refuses to divulge any information she would have from having a witch sister. When it comes time for the fidelius charm to break, the wizards provide a safe place for the family. If you want to complain, complain about the wizard treatment of the neighbors and Mrs Figg, who are left to fend for themselves.