12 Biggest Lies In Harry Potter We All Accept

So it’s our understanding that, from the evidence provided by both the novels and their film adaptations, the Dursleys can’t stand Harry. Beyond resenting his powers as a wizard they seem to have hated their young charge since he was foisted upon them at birth, and go out of their way to mistreat him throughout the series.

Despite the boy wizard’s magic capabilities and the risk they could be putting themselves in, the family constantly belittle and abuse old Harold throughout his adolescence—but are apparently happy to have him living in their home indefinitely?

At least, that’s the lie we’re lead to assume is true when the Dursleys never discuss, say, rehoming Harry with guardians who don’t despise him, seeing if they can send him to live with schoolfriends, or asking the kindly old guy who so insistently sends owls to their house whether he’s willing to actually offer the boy an alternative home. So do they hate him but just need the numbers for the census, or what’s occurring here at Privet Drive?