Why Harry must stay at the Dursleys (Book 5) - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Dave · 15th July 2003, 11:14 AM

We finally get some explanation of this in 'Order of the Phoenix'.

Dumbledore placed a powerful charm on Harry when he was still a baby. Because his mother sacrificed herself to save him, the bond of blood became the strongest shield against Voldemort he could be given. While he still calls home the place where his mother's blood dwells (ie. his aunts house) there he cannot be touched or harmed by Voldemort. Voldemort shed his mothers blood, but it lives on in Harry and his aunt. Her blood became his refuge. He needs only to return once a year, but as long as he still calls it home, whilst he is there Voldemort cannot hurt you.

What did you think of that explanation?

I think she had drawn herself into a tight corner and that was the only explanation possible, but it leaves some questions:

1/ Petunia hates Wizards, hated her sister and her brother in Law and hates Harry. Why would she agree to such a thing? Even Dumbledore admits that "She may have taken you grudgingly, furiously, unwillingly, bitterly, yet she still took you." There seems to be no magical force involved, so why would she take Harry, and put her whole family at risk.

Vernon must know the truth, why would they continue to put the whole family at risk? Why would he ever agree?

2/ He still isn't totally safe there. He cannot walk to the park without being attacked by Dementors. He needed a 24 hour/ 7 days per week guard by the Order.

Surely he would be safer staying at Hogwarts, which also has some very complex protection Charms?

3/ Having to return to Little Whinging each holiday means that he is open to attack on the way there and back. It was obviously very hard to protect him on these journeys, so wouldn't it be better not to make them at all?

timdgreat · 15th July 2003, 09:13 PM

hmm interesting points, will have to think more on some of them, but i would also point out that some of this is most likely going to be explained later.

"I think she had drawn herself into a tight corner and that was the only explanation possible, but it leaves some questions:"

which she do u mean?:rolly2:

Dave · 16th July 2003, 12:15 AM

I meant Joanne Rowling: Ever since the first book, fans have been asking if he is been treated so badly, why does he have to go back there each Summer. She said that she would give an explanation, and it was a spoiler released last year, that the explanation would come in this book. But meanwhile she wrote other things that made the explanation she finally gives the only one possible.

We might find out more about the Petunia & Vernon/ Lily & James relationship in future books, that's true.

timdgreat · 17th July 2003, 10:00 PM

i dont think there really was that much a relationship there, i think that they hated the potters wholhardily:rolly2:

timdgreat · 27th October 2003, 09:53 PM

Ok so heres my question/thought of the day

So we know now that harry has to stay at the Dursleys to be protected by his mothers spell from Voldermort, but if thats why he keeps going back there every summer, then why is it that he sometimes leaves for the Weaslys, wouldnt he be vunerable to attack there? isnt it dangerous for him to go there? I would think that Dumbledore would want him to stay at the Dursleys all summer to protect him, even if it is hell for harry

ok thats my thought, i await ur responses

:rolly2:

15th July 2003, 11:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 11,443	Why Harry must stay with the Dursleys We finally get some explanation of this in 'Order of the Phoenix'. Dumbledore placed a powerful charm on Harry when he was still a baby. Because his mother sacrificed herself to save him, the bond of blood became the strongest shield against Voldemort he could be given. While he still calls home the place where his mother's blood dwells (ie. his aunts house) there he cannot be touched or harmed by Voldemort. Voldemort shed his mothers blood, but it lives on in Harry and his aunt. Her blood became his refuge. He needs only to return once a year, but as long as he still calls it home, whilst he is there Voldemort cannot hurt you. What did you think of that explanation? I think she had drawn herself into a tight corner and that was the only explanation possible, but it leaves some questions: 1/ Petunia hates Wizards, hated her sister and her brother in Law and hates Harry. Why would she agree to such a thing? Even Dumbledore admits that "She may have taken you grudgingly, furiously, unwillingly, bitterly, yet she still took you." There seems to be no magical force involved, so why would she take Harry, and put her whole family at risk. Vernon must know the truth, why would they continue to put the whole family at risk? Why would he ever agree? 2/ He still isn't totally safe there. He cannot walk to the park without being attacked by Dementors. He needed a 24 hour/ 7 days per week guard by the Order. Surely he would be safer staying at Hogwarts, which also has some very complex protection Charms? 3/ Having to return to Little Whinging each holiday means that he is open to attack on the way there and back. It was obviously very hard to protect him on these journeys, so wouldn't it be better not to make them at all?

27th October 2003, 09:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
timdgreat For the Emperor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Alexandria VA, USA(Washington DC u idiots) Posts: 3,093	Why Harry stays at the Dursleys Ok so heres my question/thought of the day So we know now that harry has to stay at the Dursleys to be protected by his mothers spell from Voldermort, but if thats why he keeps going back there every summer, then why is it that he sometimes leaves for the Weaslys, wouldnt he be vunerable to attack there? isnt it dangerous for him to go there? I would think that Dumbledore would want him to stay at the Dursleys all summer to protect him, even if it is hell for harry ok thats my thought, i await ur responses:rolly2:

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15th July 2003, 09:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
timdgreat For the Emperor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Alexandria VA, USA(Washington DC u idiots) Posts: 3,093	hmm interesting points, will have to think more on some of them, but i would also point out that some of this is most likely going to be explained later. "I think she had drawn herself into a tight corner and that was the only explanation possible, but it leaves some questions:" which she do u mean?:rolly2:

16th July 2003, 12:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 11,443	I meant Joanne Rowling: Ever since the first book, fans have been asking if he is been treated so badly, why does he have to go back there each Summer. She said that she would give an explanation, and it was a spoiler released last year, that the explanation would come in this book. But meanwhile she wrote other things that made the explanation she finally gives the only one possible. We might find out more about the Petunia & Vernon/ Lily & James relationship in future books, that's true.

17th July 2003, 10:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
timdgreat For the Emperor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Alexandria VA, USA(Washington DC u idiots) Posts: 3,093	i dont think there really was that much a relationship there, i think that they hated the potters wholhardily:rolly2: