The Untold Story of Vernon and Petunia Dursley Before Godric's Hollow | Harry Potter

[@thomastynan4446]

They should’ve put the exchange between Harry and Dudley as they were parting in the movie. It showed Dudley was changing and maturing and accepting Harry unlike his parents.

[@sarahkleimeyer3792]

I feel like the Dementors experience he had with Harry may have done a lot toward Dudley changing and maturing.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

@@sarahkleimeyer3792it’s exactly what Rowling said, he couldn’t hate Harry because Harry saved his life despite being horrible to him for years

[@bwwestman]

It's in a deleted scene

[@nenej12]

That’s why I cherish the books more than the movies

[@ginnyjollykidd]

​@@bwwestman probably he knew. It should have been in the movie.

[@wendysmobilehomesweethome423]

That part in The Half Blood Prince is one of my favorites in the series. When Dumbledore stood up for Harry, it made me want to cheer out loud! Not only did it put them in their place, it also showed them that other people knew how awful they were to him. They were always so concerned with appearances, I think they were quite embarrassed to know it wasn't the deep dark secret they thought it was. Remember in Sorcerer's Stone when the letters kept coming and were addressed to Harry "in the cupboard under the stairs" and then "the smallest bedroom"? Vernon made a comment about them watching the house. They were so caught up with appearances, when Dumbledore reprimanded them they realized that someone knew what went on in their home. At least that was my take on it, for what it's worth!

[@dawn_68]

I know! I wish they would have put that in the movie. It was such a good scene

[@richewilson6394]

There are some people that theorize that the first three presents that the dursley gave to Harry were actually the symbols of the deathly hallows. The coin being the stone, the napkin being the cloak, and the toothpick was supposed to be the wand.

[@jessaii.xoxo143]

you mean old socks of Dudley??

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Nope

[@meacadwell]

Yeah, they are reading wayyyyy too deep into the situation.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

@@meacadwellyears apart from when written so unless Rowling made them up long before the final book they’re just garbage gifts with no mesning

[@bostonrailfan2427]

they were mentioned long before Rowling wrote the last book so unless she had planned from the start that they meant something more then they were just garbage given as a gift

[@Leon-w5h]

Harry, in the Dursley house, was treated worse than a house-elf. Maybe that is why he took so kindly to Dobby, the Malfoy house-elf. Harry had experienced similar treatment with Petunia, Vernon, and Dudley. When Harry later saved Dudley from the Dementors, Dudley realized that Harry cared more for him than he cared for Harry.

[@davidh9844]

Again, the subliminal symmetry that Rowling repeats over and over in the story!

[@nobodynowhere2128]

It has been ages since I read the books. I read them in my 20’s and now I’m seeing that they had way more depth than I noticed before. I will have to read the books again.

[@daveseville7394]

What decade are you in now?

[@Kate-qj9kz]

I was around 22 when the first book released...

[@nobodynowhere2128]

@@daveseville7394 40’s

[@danaeileenforrest-smith824]

I started reading the books again 4 years ago and I have continued to read them yearly. I have grown grandchildren who loved the books and movies.. now with great-grands getting old enough to understand books are also enjoying them.. We always have something to discuss about Harry! Our conversations can go on endlessly! ❤

[@lolaisabelcastro3310]

I think that the older and knowledgeable we get, the more we can take out of the books.

[@spectradusker4305]

A thing I loved when Dumbledore came to the Dursley's house, he did not only reprimend them for how they treated Harry, but also how they raised Dudley by spoiling him

[@dmhq-administration]

Correction: Reprimand

[@jenndowden8131]

This made me cry... love your work. One thing I never noticed which stood out to me upon hearing you mention it, was that it seemed to me the "gifts" Harry was sent for holidays, were themed around the food, hospitality, & basic courtesies he was denied while under the Dursley's roof, let alone love.

[@charmedirish1]

It would be interesting to see how Dudley’s attitude changes as grown adult with out living with Vernon and petunia see how he gets along with Harry then.

[@Penguins875]

They make amends in the end. They never really become friends but they do get together in their later years with their kids. Vernon never changes but Petunia leaves the blanket Harry was delivered to them in to him in her will

[@sarahkleimeyer3792]

The deleted scene of when the Dursley's had packed the car and were ready to leave their house showed that Dudley's attitude had already changed -- he couldn't believe they were not taking Harry with them. And Harry was at their house to make sure they got away, prepared to protect them, shows that he cared for them as well. Vernon was the only one who didn't change. It would have been interesting if they had expanded on this. JK Rowling said that Dudley and Harry were on Christmas card exchanging terms. (Pottermore, I believe.)

[@ranuelthebard3751]

I can't really praise Dumbledore for standing up for Harry when he's the one who put Harry into that situation to start with. He had Mrs Figg spying on the family the whole time Harry lived there so he had to have known there was abuse. Harry was too thin, wore ill-fitting clothes, and probably often had bruises. She would have possibly even seen Dudley hurting Harry when the children were outside. Then Harry shows up to school in that condition and without even talking to the boy about what things are like at home when Harry doesn't want to return Dumbledore refuses to even consider making other arrangements. The Dursley's abused Harry but at least their end goal wasn't getting him killed.

[@erictaylor5462]

The Weasley's desperately wanted to adopt Harry, as they knew exactly how Harry suffered. In fact, Molly was quite angry at Dumbledore's refusal to allow the Weasleys to care for Harry. In my mind Vernon constantly had car trouble. Though it never broke down completely there was always something wrong with it. The speedometer would be inaccurate, the gas gauge would quit working, the tires developed slow leaks, the car would only move in 1st gear. Just stuff that you'd need to get fixed, but never anything that would leave you stranded. And these issues would keep happening, even after they got a new car. Even more, the issue would resolve itself (temporarily) any time a competent mechanic looked into it. This would mean only an incompetent mechanic or dishonest mechanic could find the problem and if he was incompetent he would be unable to fix it, and if he could fix it the mechanic would rip Vernon off. All because Arthur Weasley secretly cursed the car. You know that such spells would be created by wizards, and Artur's job would mean he was in the perfect place to discover these muggle bating curses.

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

YES😁😁😁👍👍👍

[@jakdekayen]

Funny but instead of Arthur I'd say Fred and George Arthur is SEVERELY against messing with muggles in any negative way as his job is literally trying to keep wizards from messing with muggles 😅

[@dawnaveealexander6878]

Could the fact that Harry was a horcrux that negatively affected anyone near him have had any influence on the Dursleys? Can you imagine living like that for years?

[@louisea966]

yes, i have wondered about this too.

[@richardlahan7068]

Do horcruxes have any effect on Muggles?

[@bostonrailfan2427]

it might amplify the negative feelings and issues making a regular jerk into a monster towards someone or cause their grief to multiply overruling their love for their family Vernon was a prat before, but Harry made him insufferable and abusive…Petunia did love him, but Harry caused her grief to overwhelm her

[@Mackedo5]

​@@richardlahan7068I assume so. Muggles cannot see Demetors, but can feel their effects and can be kissed by them. I'm fairly sure the effects of a horocrux would be the same

[@JaneStephen-m1m]

That is an excellent point and not one I had considered but I think you've got the nail right on the head. 🎉

[@MarkGarza-y3l]

It would have been interesting if Dudley had received a letter from Hogwarts🤔.

[@timmellor2599]

The physical abuse couldn’t be shown in the films directly because it wouldn’t have got the same family rating. But the signs are there that abuse happens. Look at the way Dudley bullies him both physically and verbally (where do you think he learnt that?) Also Harry walks on eggshells whenever he’s with them, and his uncle verbally threatens him too. Whilst verbal threats are uttered to make a point, some actually carry out what they say.

[@didreams969]

the Dursleys were terrible parents to both boys

[@xXImikoXx]

Well actually, there are several instances that we see in the book where Vernon puts his hands on harry. The one that Springs to mind first for me is in book 5 where he openly strangles Harry through their living room window because he thought Harry had made a loud bang with his wand while they were watching television.

[@timmellor2599]

@@didreams969 True, Harry is the victim of physical and verbal abuse, whereas Dudley is so spoilt that it has become abuse of a different kind. You get the impression it’s all down to Vernon and Petunia only helps him. Although she smothers, rather than mothers, her only child. They’re not nice people!

[@erictaylor5462]

20:30 Dudley knew that Harry had saved him from a fate worse than death the night the Dementors showed up. A dementor forces you to focus on all the worst parts of one's self. Imagine what someone like Dudley might be forced to experience.

[@Azurie-e9s]

honestly not much Harry had a way worse childhood

[@draighodge6039]

Vernon Dursley sounds like the muggle version of Malfoy or Voldemort.

[@davidh9844]

That symmetry is called good writing.

[@KDawg92801]

I see Voldemort as a more sadistic Vernon. Cause Voldemort could kill him and would at the first chance. But Vernon could also kill him, but DOESN’T.

[@johnwade7430]

There is one bit in the 1st book i find weird. Petunia’s reaction as her and her family are leaving a bewildered Harry at King’s X station for the 1st trip to Hogwarts. Rawlings describes her laughing along with her ‘men’ cos there is no platform 9 3/4 and it looks like Harry is on his own. But in Bk 7 we see Lily and her whole family on that platform as Lily is trying to bring her sister round to accepting her new world. The girls’ parents are loving the spectacle but Petunia isn’t. So here is proof that Petunia knows that the platform exists. In the later scene is she simply hiding true knowledge out of embarrassment? Remember Vernon’s reaction to his wife in Bk 6 when she overrides his decision to kick Harry out of the house….

[@davidh9844]

Of course she knew about the platform - she knew just about everything there was to know. She just wouldn't admit it, although if Uncle Vernon drove to King's X, he too knew the story. But Rowling couldn't let on that early in book one, especially since Half Blood isn't even written yet!

[@PipsKay]

Petunia and Vernon Dursley, were child abusers and pretty disgusting characters

[@davidh9844]

Like their counterparts in the Wizarding World, the Malfoys.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Good video. Really enjoyed it. Dursley's were horrible to Harry, Petunia was jealous and Vernon was just a big jerk. I love Harry Potter. Its my favorite book and movie series. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@robbinruffino1201]

If Dumbledore knew Harry was being abused, why didn’t he stop it?? He could have easily counseled them or slip them a potion or spell to get rid of the hate in their hearts Personally, I would have put Dudley and Luna together in the end and that his parents disowned him and their kids..poetic!

[@girlofanimation]

ooo. That would've been an interesting ending/spinoff. It would've been cool to see one of the main or supporting characters marrying a muggle, since there seem to be a lot of non-pureblood wizards, yet we don't get many modern examples showing those muggle-wizard unions forming.

[@aurelialogan589]

It's because Harry was a horcrux. If you remember in the last movie the horcrux affected the three friends differently. Because Harry was a horcrux it made the Dursleys behave the way they did.

[@Azurie-e9s]

Dudley and Luna??? the fuck

[@SuziQ.]

@@aurelialogan589, Then why weren’t Harry’s roommates affected? They lived with him most of the year. The Weasleys weren’t grumpy when Harry visited. The horcrux in Harry was unintentional. The one that affected him and Hermione and Ron was the locket.

[@SuziQ.]

@@Azurie-e9s, I imagined a similar pairing, but with Dudley and a half Veela he met at Harry’s wedding.

[@jackidavis4640]

Interesting. Thank you for taking time to create these videos.

[@braggarmybrat]

I can't help but wonder if, as the sources say, the magical gene is dominant, then, given the right conditions, it is likely that someone in Dudley's line is going to be magical. I hope that Grandpa Dudley is around to contact Harry or one of the gang to help them understand and complete the healing of the family. If for no other reason than to give the new magical child a leg up!

[@DabbertjeDouwe]

Then whom would he have gotten the gene from? Neither of his parents is magical, and genetics hasn't advanced that far yet.

[@rilian226]

@@DabbertjeDouwe His mother's sister Lily was magical, therefore the gene existed in one of his maternal grandparents and therefore could have been passed to/through him in theory.

[@DabbertjeDouwe]

@rilian226 You do understand what "dominant gene" means, right? For your logic to work, Petunia must've carried the gene, and if it were dominant, as you say, she would've shown magical capacity as well.

[@meacadwell]

@@DabbertjeDouwe JKR said muggle-borns inherit their magic from a magical ancestor

[@DabbertjeDouwe]

@@meacadwell Yes, but that's a moot point as it is not the claim here. The claim is about genetics, and the difference between recessive and dominant genes is easily verifiable. There are some claims that Rowling stated the magic gene is dominant, but if it's true she said this, her biology is as bad as her topography (she thought Bulgaria was "in the north")

[@jasonrosa5268]

I grew up in foster ‘care’ and the treatment J.K. Portrays is pretty close to accurate! And sadly my only escape was homelessness, not Hogwarts! Therefore I learned how to cook. Ask yourself of any other options, as you comfortably read this. And recognize the duality of the main characters! Who would Voldemort be, if he read a book like ‘Harry Potter or the Lord of the Rings?

[@denxylboart4403]

Hugs im sorry you had a bad start in life Jason 😔 I hope your life is better now. You did good though learning to cook, so I imagine you're a chef in a restaurant? As for who voldemort if he read lord of the rings? Well if he felt a deep connection to frodo and bilbo then I guess him being an orphan like frodo but seeing frodo having a loving uncle i guess it would either have a positive effect on him or he'd be a more pissed off voldemort resenting frodo for having bilbo, but if he became more positive maybe he'd have seeked out more books where orphans were taken in by kind people heald himself that way. And protected other orphans from being bullied that's a nice thought don't you think? ❤

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

Huge sympathetic hugs

[@graceharrison1991]

I’m sorry about how you grow up if I could do magic I’d send you strait to Hogwarts. Hugs to you.

[@Sirena101]

I know the fandom will never forgive Dumbledore for taking so long to step in and confront the Dursleys. But consider this: in enduring his relatives’ cruelty without developing serious behavioral problems or going down a dark path, Harry is proven to hold the power of love, which the dark lord knows not. Harry’s strength and goodness needed to triumph over this adversity. Without it, we’re missing a huge chunk of the plot. JKR never gives us an acceptable reason for why Dumbledore kept his distance, but I do recognize the distance was necessary for the story to unfold. Can anyone else think of an explanation for why Dumbledore chose such a remote and lackluster way of protecting Harry (besides that he’s a manipulative bastard that never truly cared for him, I won’t buy that) I’m interested to know your thoughts.

[@bwy553]

She didn’t want to be part of the world for her sister, she wanted to be part of the world because she wanted her parents to be more proud of her

[@paulyb7267]

Also, Mr and Mrs Evans really loved James (who they found charming and amusing) and the preferred him a lot more than Vernon Dursley, causing Petunia to resent Lily even more.

[@didreams969]

this surprise separation of siblings is a problem that must happen fairly often, and the wizarding laws should have a successful solution to deal with the situation… anyone in Petunia’s position would be heartbroken as a child. and now she is an adult, it’s obvious that it was handled badly.. there must be something wizards could do or give , to make the “unspecial” child feel satisfied in themselves….

[@RichardNeill01]

Those Dursley gifts are also symbolic of the Hallows.

[@Jamesbull46]

Merlin's beard thank you I have listened to all the novels at least 30 times and I didn't catch that

[@bostonrailfan2427]

it doesn’t hold up as that happened years before Rowling created the Hallows so unless she played the long game with symbolism they’re just fan theories

[@nandodge4518]

@@Jamesbull46 Each time a gift arrived, instead of thinking about the Hallows, I wondered how the Dursleys made themselves send Harry "gifts" via the only way possible -- owls. Can you imagine Petunia tying an envelope to a barn owl's leg and sending him off? How would they SUMMON an owl? (If I'm missing something obvious, please tell me!)

[@Anne_B.]

It's a warning about the way children get spoiled..always wanting more and bigger and better..when kids have little they grow better in character and imagination and appreciate what they do have

[@vivianp5962]

Great observation 👍 I didn't even think of that

[@med6399]

Very well presented! Thank you!🎖🎖🎖😎😎😎🌟🌟🌟

[@robertevans8126]

Haveing never read any of the books, just watching the movies ... listening to you, is filling in the gaps quite nicely 😊

[@Icycoldcoke]

read the boioks

[@sarahkleimeyer3792]

You really should read the books or listen to the books on audio books. You will find them much better than the movies because the movies are more like summaries of the books and leave so much out. Also the movies changed personalities and relationships that were intended and don't make sense. Public libraries often have the audio books for check-out.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

key scenes were filmed that filled the gaps in, but were cut due to time

[@didreams969]

@@sarahkleimeyer3792 jk Rowling is a brilliant author .. the books will make you feel part of the story and it’s very difficult to put the book down .. they are well worth reading no matter what your age ..

[@Wannabe1956]

That was the most brilliant explanation of the dursleys I have had in months you've really explored there personality believe me dememtors would run away from these evil people Vernon and Petunia (for muggles) are capable of magic so dark dememtors would cry foul and accuse the dursleys of things that both Voldemort and umbridge would also find to be terrible.

[@sallykohorst8803]

Well perhaps the Hbo max series in 2026 will show more of the book and what the Dursleys did to Harry. Cant wait to hear and see new series. Loved this video as i did not read the books.

[@tedadams1324]

The Dursleys were monsters. It is impossible to justify ANY abuse/neglect of a child. Except, this wasn't one (or even several) isolated instance(s) of cruelty. This was violence that was perpetrated on an innocent child for YEARS!!!! Ostensibly, Dumbledore knew of the situation Harry faced. Couldn't SOMETHING have been done differently?????????? I'm not even certain it was necessary for Rowling to write the Dursleys as ghastly as she did.

[@amywebb4586]

This is why I don't like Dumbledore. And it is a hill I will die on.

[@nandodge4518]

She wrote the Dursleys and their treatment of Harry much the same way Roald Dahl wrote adults and their relationships with children.

[@jeffreycruz-sanchez6042]

@@amywebb4586you see but Dumbledore was still correct. I grew up poor and working hard work mind you, every single weekend and summer. But as an adult I don’t say my dad abuses me I thank him because he kept me off the streets from selling drugs. He helped teach me the value of hard work and money. While a lot of my other peers took the easy way out. Most are now dead or in jail while I’m successful. While Harry’s situation was slightly different, he ended up being one of the most kindest and selfless people. My husband says that about me all the time and I can’t help but notice a common denominator. Usually people who had to go through rough instances but have great guides along the way usually end up being some of the most decent people. It’s sad that we have to go through all the pain but it teaches us to be strong.

[@Anne_B.]

​@@jeffreycruz-sanchez6042agreed. I was a forgotten child..all my siblings had sow thing other and I was the oops baby. I was a people.pekaser trying to make people see me by being co derella and not making waves. It does leave an imprint 😅

[@flobbertdobson1598]

Its kinda sad i always thought all kids were raised like this till i was about 20ish when i found out us church kids were raised diffrent. That their were kids that loved their parents.

[@jillybe1873]

Me too. A school friend told me parents loved their children when I was 12 but I didn't believe her. HP was written for us.

[@oakstrong1]

How much of Dumbledore's love for Harry was the knowledge of him being the sacrificial lamb to defeat Voldemort? Dumbledore, expected Harry to die with Voldermort because he had a part of his soul in Harry - Dumbledore knew he was the last horcrux.

[@didreams969]

and he knew that if Voldemort killed Harry and Harry did not fight back [like his mother], that Voldemort would kill his own horcrux and Harry would survive..

[@SECRETPERSON1606]

I think we need a book or a movie about them. The Dursley is different kind of muggle because they are aware of the existence of Witch & Wizards. We need POV from people like them.

[@nhansen197]

I always pictured Petunia as the sort who always had to be the one who got the most praise from her parents. She undoubtedly worked hard to excel in school and when Lily was invited to attend Hogwarts suddenly there was something she couldn't be better than her sister at.

[@Anne_B.]

Lily was pretty, Lily was a witch, Lily got the handsome man, Lily got the money..of course Petunia was always jealous

[@erictaylor5462]

5:25 I thought when Dudley told Harry, "I don't think you're a waste of space." was one of the most touching things ever. Also, Dudley is a terrible name for a boy. Worse even than naming him Sue. At least for an English speaker. A "dud" is an explosive device that fails to detonate. A bomb that is impotent. And the "ly" in English often means "somewhat similar".

[@Azurie-e9s]

hey when you will arrive Mr Somewhat Impotent?

[@davidh9844]

The books began as a story for children, and a lot of the cruelty you describe was meant to be gross exaggerations that a child would find humorous. No one could possibly be that mean. As Rowlings goes on with the tale, the story quickly takes on a very dark Scottish/Macbethian turn. I read the books as an adult with young children, assuming it was simply a well written children's story. It didn't take too long to see the physical and mental abuse of the child to come through, page after page. What surprised me was how a child like Harry could remain a sweet kid in spite of the unrelenting abuse. One has to wonder how the sorting hat refused to put Harry into Slitherin, especially with the horcrux inside of him, and the abusive background. Now I have to re-read the books. (OBTW: the chintzy Christmas gifts: Rowling's foreshadowing of the 3 Deathly Hallows, Napkin = Cloak, 50p Piece = Stone, and Toothpick = the Wand)

[@williamfleckles]

I did not realize all of the information about the Dursleys that exists in the books. I have not read them in many years and I think it might be time to give them another read. Thank you for posting

[@vivianp5962]

Great story, unfortunately all the commercials interrupt the flow.

[@jakedeefknmuss]

buy premium problem solved

[@christianstout6390]

I dont believe Petunia was a muggle. I honestly believe she was a Squib. Yes, she couldn't do magick; however, isn't strange how she noticed things, new things and even got her letter to Hogwarts after writing to Dumbledore? I truly believe that Petunia actually caries the magical gene and it may show up in Dudley's children or grandchildren.

[@judithstrachan9399]

She couldn’t be a squib: her parents were muggles. A squib is the non-magical child of magical parents.

[@judithstrachan9399]

I do agree that Petunia may well have the gene, though.

[@mariagabbott]

Apparently muggle borns are descended from squibs (squibs who married muggles and seemingly lost their connection to the magical world, only for the gene to surface generations later). So Petunia could have inherited magical powers but I don't think she was a squibs herself. She was aware and could notice magic because of her proximity to Lily but nothing else. She was a regular muggle and envious of Lily.

[@SuziQ.]

@@mariagabbott, Squibs are the non magical children of witches and wizards, like Filch and Mrs. Figg. They can’t be muggle born. Muggle born are just muggles- non magical folks.

[@Conmezzo]

Remember how excited the parents were about Lily's magical abilities instead of being frightened about it. That's when I thought they were happy to have a witch in the family... again. I still hope a Daisy Dursley shows up at Hogwarts in a future Rowling story.

[@maghalie1612]

Thank you for your info, and I do like your pleasant voice.

[@PrinceofSpades13]

Honestly for fact 5) harry already knew The Dursleys wouldnt give him anything, its why when they did he just tucked it away and appreciated the gifts from Ron, Hermione, Molly, and his God father all the more. H was already in a place where he was happy so the Dursleys presents really went by the wayside for him, he was so used to shrugging it off and didn't really add to his stress from them.

[@darrellperrine7604]

His lack of family shines a light on part of why he married Ginny. Wasn’t just her he married but her family. Becouse he didn’t have that with Vernon and Petunia

[@markanthony1004]

I like how Vernon just believed his sister in law was a legit witch🤣🤣🤣 I'll always love the fact that Harry and Dudley made up and I really wish they'd kept that in the movie. Would've been nice

[@The.Watcher.On.The.Wall.UK.93]

If Rowling chose the name Vernon because she wanted the most ordinary and common option I'm very surprised she didn't choose something like Dave, Steve, Mike or Ian. Literally seems like every other man of that generation is called one of those names haha especially Dave haha

[@craxd1]

There was a huge personality difference between Lily and Petunia, and that difference was what caused Petunia to act as she did as a young girl, and even as a woman. It's why she fit so well with Vernon. Petunia had a narcissistic personality disorder, where she envied what others had. She envied her sister, and when she became a woman, she envied her neighbors. It was a "keeping up with the Joneses" family with the Dursleys. If they couldn't have what others had, they became irritable and irate, and then started saying nasty things about them.

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

Petunia's story turned out to be one of the saddest in the entire series. Maybe only Snape's is sadder. She never came to terms with the fact that her sister was a witch and she wasn't. I wonder what Dumbledore wrote to her in his letters?

[@sersastark]

he apologized to her but told her only those with magical gifts could attend and since she had none she couldnt be allowed to come.

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

@@sersastark the word "magical GIFT" must have hurt her. Besides, her parents did nothing to support her. They favored Lily. That's sad too

[@SuziQ.]

@@andrzejzborowski4920, We don’t know that the Evans parents favored Lily. They were excited that she was a witch. We only hear about Petunia’s point of view, which is biased. They may have praised her for other things that she accomplished, but she was disappointed that she wasn’t a witch, and made it into a grudge.

[@Grimlock-ry8fg]

I think Dumbledore explained that Petunia might be able to study the theoretical aspects of magic, she wasn't able to perform the practical aspects.....

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

@@SuziQ. Petunia said to Harry they did. She must have felt rejected.

[@amandasilver3886]

I really liked the video!

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

I am so glad I didn’t read any of the books. I was physically abused by my first set of adoptive parents. I got rescued by a better set of adoptive parents; ones who cared & never hit. I’d have gone after the Dursleys, taking out my wand, & teleporting them in just their underwear, to the South Pole, making sure they were never found by anyone.

[@francisgrizzlysmit4715]

thank you great video, spot on

[@HeatherNickless-vt8zr]

@meninogui; Dudley was the one who did most of the beating on Harry, Vernon merely encouraged these things; Both Dursley boys were bullies who attended Smelting's Academy: Like father/Like son. I wonder if this is the school that actually encourages bullying behavior in gentlemanly practices? That is what the Author made it sound like it was such the odd school out for modern times.

[@roxannsinchek2644]

I absolutely loved this❤ thank you

[@gmt5664]

I'm not clear how the Dursleys were in danger if they did not take Harry. Dumbledore said the charm protects Harry as long as he can call Privet Drive home and returns there once a year. I can't find any reference that says the charm protects the Dursleys or that Petunia took Harry in to protect herself. I don't see any threat to the Dursleys if they never take Harry in.

[@dsatt57]

They were kinda forced to take him in. Dumbledore knew she would. I seem to remember a part where she tried to get into Hogwarts and talked to Dumbledore when she was young. And there was the guilt. The protection broke once he came of age. Also, if Voldemort found them, he could use them to get to Harry even if they never took him in. Harry never wanted anyone to suffer because of him.

[@erictaylor5462]

13:50 What would Petunia see and experience if she went to Hogwarts. We know that if a Muggle enters the grounds for Hogwarts (at least from any point they could see the castle) they would be overcome with a powerful urge to be elsewhere. Not fear, but they would suddenly "remember" they had urgent business somewhere far away. If the should see the castle, they would see a dilapidated and unstable building with signs saying "Danger keep out" Even if Dumbledore made an exception for her, perhaps treating her a squib, she would not be able to stay as she was overcome with the urge to be elsewhere.

[@marilynthomas8036]

I loved this video. I like how you carefully explained things

[@elizabethoneill8612]

Hedwig also suffered not only Harry.

[@anikalee9012]

Harry life with Dursley family remind me my own life with my birth family except for the food part.

[@sailorbychoice1]

16:30 One thing failing in the stories... The stories mention what presents Harry receives, but never mention any presents Harry gives at Christmas, and I have always wondered if Hogwarts had a school store where students could buys things. I wonder what would have happened if Harry sent the Dursleys an actually nice Christmas Present, would they feel obligated to send a present at least that nice the next time? Harry doesn't do anything in the way of fence mending on his part throughout the books.

[@jesbury6597]

Fun insights! My question is why didn't Dumbledore face the Dursleys sooner? Also, can you say Rowling the same way all the time? Think "Row, row, row your boat." Thanks!

[@bailatwerski2951]

Yes, interesting and thank you

[@tylersmith9465]

Rest in peace albus dumbledore creture dolby fred Weasley lilly evens and James potter

[@michellecrocker2485]

You know, did it ever occur to petunia to focus on her own talents? Unless she didn’t have any talents

[@michellecrocker2485]

It’s a wonder none of the neighbors noticed the starvation and reported that family. Child abuse is illegal in England, right?

[@sidoniejordan-olsen7673]

My question is still, what if dudley had been a wizard. Obviously it's in petunias blood line.

[@maxinezook4618]

Or even if Dudley remained a muggle, if 1 or more of his descendants (children, grandchildren & so on) might be witches &/or wizards. I think of similar things likely occurring for other muggleborns, like Harry's mom Lily & friend Hermione, that they likely had 1 or more wizard/witch ancestors in their family trees who might've given birth to squibs then several generations of muggles who would likely be unaware of having magical ancestors until the distant magic in the families traits reemerges in a future generation when a surprise new witch/wizard is born to their muggle parents 🪄 I wouldn't be surprised also if Petunia had hoped &/or feared Dudley might be born a wizard, having magic like his Aunt Lily & might've either been disappointed or relieved that Dudley proved to be a muggle just like his parents thinking her family would now have normal magic-free existence, until she got the surprise doorstep baby delivery of her undoubtedly magical nephew Harry 🤭

[@davidponseigo8811]

I utterly loathe my older brother and have for 40 years with good reason, he's a drug addict who didn't even come to our fathers funeral or even visit our sister when she was dying at age 40 , she begged him to come but he didn't. Despite all that he is my brother and I love him I just don't like him at all.

[@ocg-tax817]

That's a sad story to which I relate. My dad was an alcoholic, and he was abusive to my mom and siblings. One brother hated everyone in our family because he was expected to be the authoritative person when our parents weren't around, and would be whipped when he made a decision that dad didn't agree with.

[@Mary-h4h]

How did Petunia send the vase to Lilly, and the few awful "gifts" to Harry? They certainly wouldn't have used an owl. Did Muggle post go to Hogwarts?

[@lexiburrows8127]

Why would Lily get a vase or anything else as a Wedding present if she was still a schoolgirl? Also, the families of Muggle-borns can send things. Hermione's parents, in book two, were exchanging Muggle money in Gringotts. There can be a cross-over where families were concerned.

[@jenlfpotter3870]

No, I think the question here was, how could Petunia send Lily a vase, but Petunia would have sent the vase the muggle way, but I’m not sure how muggles would send post to their magical offspring or relatives at Hogwarts unless there was some kind of PO box address system in Scotland or somewhere so a member of Hogwarts staff would go pick the post up from the PO boxes then attach all the different items to the School owls or the owls in Hogsmeade post office so the muggleborns would receive their post that way with everybody else at Breakfast in the great hall.

[@grandmastermario3695]

As long as harry can call it home that doesn't really make sense, bc he didn't consider it home, so really the protection was there rather if harry called it home or not.

[@meacadwell]

And yet Harry, the Dursley's, Dumbledore, and other wizards called the Dursley's residence Harry's home so it was his home. You can call a place you don't like "home" because it's where you live. It matters not whether you like it or not.

[@silencedogood8800]

It was the language of the spell I always took from it. He was permitted, but not wanted in that house. And so for all it's flaws... it offered the slightest bit of shelter, much like a cold cave in a snow storm is better than being out in the storm.

[@nigelmansfield3011]

Well described and narrated.

[@olixpatdo8181]

And it didn't help that Harry was pretty sassy.

[@sallykohorst8803]

I am a new subscriber and love learning more of the books as i hate reading. Thanks for being here. There really is so much in the books that aren't in the films. Saw every film at the theater.

[@SuziQ.]

Can you tolerate an audio book? The books are so much better.

[@CassieMichael]

Pretty sure that "protection" offered by Lily's sacrifice would only work with others when Harry considers where the Dursleys live as his home. He does NOT. He considers Hogwarts as his home. I would think that magic would be able to sense this distinction sometime early in Harry's life after the abuse and would leave Number 4, Privet Drive completely open to Death Eater attack.

[@pamelakrumvieda3153]

They were, despite their feelings and treatment of him, his guardians. That, combined with it being a blood relative, would surely provide the protection described.

[@CassieMichael]

@@pamelakrumvieda3153 Don't think that should have counted as part of the rules of the magic of the sacrifice. Harry should have at least declared sometime in his youth, like most other kids, that at one time or another this isn't his home and that he's running away. There's always a loophole in the rules. Even the ones by nature and magic. Screw the Dursleys and their warped sense of revenge.

[@craftyhobbit7623]

I can understand Petunia's attitude towards Harry and although Dudley is a git, as a child himself he's not entirely to blame, but I don't understand Vernon's dislike of Harry.

[@Embermoon91]

Because two things: 1- he hated anything he considered weird and freakish. And 2- He disliked Harry's father because he felt James was flaunting his wealth.

[@jillybe1873]

Stepdad syndrome

[@KnightMage]

The Dursley's were already bad people. I just wonder since Harry was a Horcrux, did that make them as abusive as they were to him. Did Harry being a Horcrux make them worse. They were around him all the time for 10 or so years, that constant exposure could have driven them to the levels of abuse they showed. It could be something they never recovered from, except for Dudley. But that could be because of the Dementor attack, and his look into death. I'm not excusing the Dursley's they were bad people already, just that they had no idea what dark magic had been brought into their home. If Dumbeldore knew, he never told them for fear they'd reject Harry. Dumbledore was always keeping secrets. As for those at Hogwarts, perhaps being in a very magical place, also near the Sword of Griffindor could have protected them.

[@didreams969]

don’t think so.. Voldemort was next to nothing, just trying to stay alive throughout Harry’s childhood.. his presence was only felt when he was becoming stronger and it only affected Harry , not any of his friends..

[@navysailor]

I wish that Dumbledore would have discovered the wound on Harry's hand.

[@sharoncameron281]

Just some gentle feedback, the way you swirl the images between shots is majorly dizzying and I found it hard to watch your content as a result.

[@KarTheDeamon]

Harry was a horcrux. Look at Ron, what it did to him being in vicinity of two in confined space for months. (And yes they were roommates Prior to that. But they still had entire castle to chill out and protection spells around them...) Nut Dursleys had no love for Harry to begin with. And Horcrux for over a decade all day every day in their home. Basically even the act of putting Harry under the stairs was a way to uncontiously deal with that evil influence... basically they managed quite good considering... lesser people would probably tried to off Harry multiple times before he got his latter. Even that slight change in Petunia is probably a result of less exposure.

[@rebawalker7070]

I often wondered about his treatment as a toddler? She having to change and feed him. It must have been horrible!Remember, birth to three years are the most important years in life.

[@didreams969]

that’s the thing I find hardest to believe… that a baby and child without nurture and love is able to become a well balanced person like Harry .. it doesn’t work like that and Rowlings shows this in the character of both Snape and Voldemort.

[@jillybe1873]

​@@didreams969because he had his mother's love inside that scar

[@tanialangford6662]

Petunia shows a little remorse and understanding at the end when she says. You didn’t just lose a mother, I lost a sister

[@athleticbuddy]

A little too late for her statement

[@Simkitty]

Has anyone else noticed that it's hard to say, "Petunia" without sneering? 🤔 😺 =^..^=

[@levirobertson8229]

Well iirc petunia in flower language means bitterness ( of course I could have that mixed up with wormwood)

[@markdicristofaro904]

Magnanimity. Cool, I learned a new word. Thank you meninogui.

[@damiencannane]

Lily describes the vase as "horrible"...im not sure where youre getting the "unexpectedly nice" reference.

[@jeremytoney9367]

Having read two different genres of books like these I can see the pros and cons of both series since the first series I read was so you want to be a wizard I have a someone more interesting association with Harry Potter. The fact of the matter is is that where each book is weak or where each story is weak The other story excels. Where are the writers of the wizard series are vague Harry Potter bring certain things right out into the open and it might’ve been better had they left those things somewhat vague because that would’ve added more fun and entry to the characters and their capabilities. The other issue I noticed between these two series is that where one series is about growth and understanding and acceptance the other series has antagonists that are really antagonistic and they are just not the kind of people you would want to be around in any way shape or form the other fact of the matter is is that where the wizard series is got its hard parts to deal with at one point the resolution of those parts is brought together in each story book. And Harry Potter however the problems just seem to get worse and so when the narrator of this video is describing petunia and her family it just seems to me like the woman never could get over her issues she never grow she never changed yet when I read the other series the whole series is about gross and so it’s interesting to see the contrast between both of these series since both of these series consist of multiple books. The other thing I noticed is that the contrast between the families is the difference between night and day and then the end for most people who have been digging into the series they have not been digging into the wizard series

[@vipertwenty249]

It is clear that in all this there is one primary person whose bad behaviour caused so much trouble for the two sisters and Harry in the years to come, and that person was James. Not only that but there was a clear history of bad behaviour by James, clearly visible in his appalling treatment and bullying of the young Severous Snape that pushed the young Severus toward the dark side and gave him lifelong emotional scars. If Tom Riddle had been just a bit more perceptive in his own youth he might very well have turned James into a supporter and perhaps even eventually one of the death eaters.

[@paulyb7267]

Bullshit. You know, the truth with your reaction to this stupid (let say Rowling prime was long behind her when she wrote this) backstory is that it’s not really what happened that provoked your ire, it’s more the fact that once again James came out as the “top dog”. In your eyes, James and Vernon meeting was an opportunity to have someone “putting” the Gryffindor at his place, however it ended up as it always did when people try to show him up, ie. them leaving in fury after having been humiliated. It’s like tennis fan hating Djokovic for being too good, they will always vouch for his opponent and end up hating it even more so when he ends up winning as he always do. Instead of blindly blaming James for everything, why don't you just accept the fact that it's a well established canon fact (and according to JK Rowling herself) that both Vernon and Petunia (and also Marge) are terrible to everyone. Apart from Harry, Vernon and Petunia were also terrible to lots of people; they were terrible to Arthur, they were terrible to Lily, they were terrible to James, they were terrible to Hagrid, they were terrible to Dumbledore, even McGonagall warns Dumbledore not to place Harry with the Dursleys because she knows how terrible they are. If Vernon is going to make some pointed and patronising remarks and ask loaded questions with the intention to embarrass someone (James) he just met then he shouldn't get pissy when they clap back. James and anyone else in his position will always be in the right. Also, it wasn't because of James that the Dursleys had very low contact with Lily, but it was because Petunia is a toxic sister who has always treated her sister terribly. If you have toxic relatives that are regularly horrid to you, then why have a relationship with such people in the first place when it's best to distance yourself from them? Neither James nor Lily can change Vernon and Petunia's toxic ways, that is up to Vernon and Petunia themselves.

[@vipertwenty249]

@@paulyb7267 I read what you wrote with an open mind and what I see is a blindness to narcissism. James behaved appallingly when Vernon tried to just make normal muggle conversation just as he would with another muggle, being utterly unfamiliar with magic and the wizarding world, and Vernon was a narcissist, so that went down with Vernon exactly as must be expected. James also bullied Severus when they were both students, and bullying is unacceptable behaviour by definition, so James was never the model Gryffindor and certainly might have been turned if, as I said, Tom Riddle had been less self obsessed and more perceptive. So your use of the word Bullshit can equally well be applied to your own opinion. We disagree, and that's fine - the world would be a staggeringly boring place if everyone thought the same.

[@paulyb7267]

@@vipertwenty249 And how on earth is James talking about his broomstick or describing his wealth behaving appallingly or being a narcissist? Maybe it's you who is blinded and so biased against James that you are so determined to assume the worst in him and you desperately want to make him into a villain in all this (when it is clearly Vernon and Petunia).

[@vipertwenty249]

@@paulyb7267 No. It was Vernon that was the narcissist, but it was James that was responsible for generating Vernon's hatred of wizard kind, and not by accident either. James was deliberately winding Vernon up because James recognised the narcissist in Vernon and took pleasure in poking him instead of using diplomacy toward his sister in law's husband that he knew she had to live with, causing much heartache for Lily in the process. James had a nasty streak in him that was revealed in this incident and its consequences.

[@paulyb7267]

@@vipertwenty249 And there you go again, always so determined to blindly assume the worst in James Potter. Most of what you've said (such as James recognising and deliberately exploiting Vernon's narcissism or causing Vernon's dislike of wizards) are just biased exaggerations about James that are not mentioned in the story. Has it ever crossed your mind that maybe James was just oblivious to how nasty Vernon is as a person? Besides, Vernon already had a dislike of wizards before that meeting as it is mentioned that he told Petunia (before the meeting) that he wouldn't hold it against her that she had a freak for a sister. Also, James did try to be diplomatic with Vernon because it is mentioned that James did try to make up with Vernon, but only for Vernon to throw it back in his face by calling him an amateur magician and ignoring James's attempts at making up. If you think that James had some kind of mastermind plan to provoke Vernon, why then did James have an excellent relationship with both of Lily's parents? Stop viewing James as the devil reincarnated.

[@jakechapman1442]

Harry Potter was his aunt and uncle slave I would just packed up everything and left a note left before they got home just moved to the Weasley or stayed at Hogwarts

[@stephanietip]

I never understood why Harry didn't ask the Weasley family if he could stay with them.They would have been happy to give him the love he needed and Harry had enough gold he could of helped them in return.Molly even said(in the movies)that Harry was a good as on of her own kids.

[@darcymoon2109]

Petunia could have married Filch and they could have lived as Squibs

[@judelbugsrutter6727]

Petunia gives 'sidekick vibes'... if you've read 'Queenbees and Wannabes', you know the type, if you watched mean girls... think Gretchen Weiners... she needs someone to be the boss, and she's an enforcer. I'd love to hear someone who's read a book like 'Cult of One' and compare her to that. The world finds it harder to tolerate a mother who doesn't care than many other things. She's like those religious nut wives that bang on about the 'husband being the head of the home' even to the detriment of the physical and mental health of herself and the kids. Such a foil for Molly. It wasn't good for Dudley to have too much of his own way. Lucky for him, the world taught him a lesson when he was young enough to learn it. I wonder what his year with wizards was like. I bet they had to do interesting things to his parents to get some peace.

[@TheoBrookes-p2h]

I thought the films turned the Dursleys into frightened buffoons, the films the cruelty.

[@clairebeane3455]

I do believe it would be justice if Dudley managed to father a witch or wizard.

[@maxinezook4618]

Imagining Vernon & Petunia's horrified reaction to having a surprise magical grandchild would be the height of comedy, assuming Dudley's wife/the child's mother is also a muggle & isn't a witch, the latter of which likely would've sent the Dursley parents off the edge of sanity before their grandchild was even born! They would suddenly have to decide if they can accept this child of their beloved Dudley even if it means finally being forced to accept the magical world they hate because said grandchild is a horrid witch or wizard or try to deny this grandchild, though doing that might also endanger their relationship with their beloved son. No doubt though if Dudley indeed established forgiveness & a good relationship with his cousin Harry, Harry, Ginny & their family would be there to help their magical young cousin to work her/his way through the magical world including learning about Hogwarts & maybe even help Dudley learn more about the magical world himself so that he too will have that knowledge & understanding to help support his child 💖

[@ajwinberg]

That is quite rich coming from J.K. Rowling. She gave the Durslys prejudice qualities that she hated seeing in people. 😂

[@cherryb893]

Pot, kettle. Look at her attitude towards LGBTQ+ people.

[@cliffkidd_]

Your Chanel ensures I have a goodnight sleep ❤ stay blessed road to 100k

[@grandmastermario3695]

Your saying theyve never physically abused harry in the films, well i have no idea what your talking about, bc just in the first one alone, there were atleast 3 occasions where they physically abused him, like grabbing him and pushing him.

[@PatRiley-p3v]

This was my life in Star Texas , I had to build a hide out safe house. I had several

[@GregInHouston2]

Very good. I felt the same way about Draco.

[@raemontargaryen3005]

interesting that Jk rowling just thinks that people with name “petunia” leaving bad impression on her. the flower language of “petunia” is “bitterness”/ “anger” /“resentments “. thought that was her reason. its interesting regardless.

[@shimaalcarrim7949]

Fantastic channel

[@kimsmith1746]

I came here because of the title. It implies some sort of backstory, which is not in the books...maybe in Pottermore by Rowling. This is just an analysis of what we know from the books. I had hoped the Dursley family had a rich history in witch trails in the 16th century, or something along those lines.

[@shogun9032]

The gifts the Dursleys sent was a toothpick, a tissue and a penny (so a stick, a cloak and a circle) so it was the deadly hallows xD

[@davidglasspool4921]

I wanna hear the fanfiction where Vernon and Petunia ended up dying in a house fire. if that doesn’t exist, it should.

[@wolftal1178]

He received a toothpick in chamber of secrets.

[@dmhq-administration]

My heart breaks for Harry! 🤔🥺😭💔