The Dursleys' Treatment of Harry
Events [40]
Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone [B1]
The Vanishing Glass [B1-C2]
18-19
Harry’s Existence Is Erased From The Visible Home Environment
Ten years after Harry Potter’s arrival at Privet Drive, the Dursleys’ home remains unchanged, save for photographs showing Dudley’s growth into a pampered boy. Meanwhile, Harry continues to live a neglected life, unnoticed in his own home.
Ten years after Harry Potter’s arrival at Privet Drive, the Dursleys’ home remains unchanged, save for photographs showing Dudley’s growth into a pampered boy. Meanwhile, Harry continues to live a neglected life, unnoticed in his own home.
19-20
Harry Is Tasked With Household Chores And Given Hand-Me-Downs
Harry awakens to Aunt Petunia’s shrill demands, recalling a recurring dream of a flying motorcycle. As Dudley’s birthday is revealed, Harry reflects on his own overlooked presence in the house and prepares for another day of servitude.
Harry awakens to Aunt Petunia’s shrill demands, recalling a recurring dream of a flying motorcycle. As Dudley’s birthday is revealed, Harry reflects on his own overlooked presence in the house and prepares for another day of servitude.
20-22
Harry Is Overlooked And Tasked With Cooking While Dudley Receives All The Attention
Harry prepares breakfast while Dudley gleefully counts his thirty-six birthday presents, throwing a tantrum over receiving fewer gifts than the previous year. Aunt Petunia calms him with a promise of two additional presents, highlighting the Dursleys’ blatant favoritism.
Harry prepares breakfast while Dudley gleefully counts his thirty-six birthday presents, throwing a tantrum over receiving fewer gifts than the previous year. Aunt Petunia calms him with a promise of two additional presents, highlighting the Dursleys’ blatant favoritism.
22-24
Harry Is Threatened And Treated As A Nuisance During The Birthday Arrangements
The Dursleys panic upon learning that Mrs. Figg, Harry’s usual babysitter, is unavailable due to a broken leg. Left with no alternative, they reluctantly decide to take Harry to the zoo, with strict warnings to behave.
The Dursleys panic upon learning that Mrs. Figg, Harry’s usual babysitter, is unavailable due to a broken leg. Left with no alternative, they reluctantly decide to take Harry to the zoo, with strict warnings to behave.
26-27
Harry Must Keep His Distance To Avoid Being Hit Or Blamed For Any Mishaps
Harry joins the Dursleys on a trip to the zoo, enjoying a rare treat of freedom and a lemon ice pop. Despite Dudley’s tantrums and the Dursleys’ neglect, Harry relishes his first visit to the zoo, unaware of the chaos that awaits.
Harry joins the Dursleys on a trip to the zoo, enjoying a rare treat of freedom and a lemon ice pop. Despite Dudley’s tantrums and the Dursleys’ neglect, Harry relishes his first visit to the zoo, unaware of the chaos that awaits.
29-30
Harry Is Starved And Left In Isolation Whenever He Contradicts Their Normalcy
After the chaos from the snake's escape, the Dursleys blame Harry for the incident and punish him severely, showcasing their unfair treatment and Harry's ongoing suffering in his life with them.
After the chaos from the snake's escape, the Dursleys blame Harry for the incident and punish him severely, showcasing their unfair treatment and Harry's ongoing suffering in his life with them.
The Letters from No One [B1-C3]
31-32
Harry Is Punished By Being Locked In His Cupboard For The Incident With The Boa Constrictor
After the incident with the boa constrictor, Harry endures his longest punishment yet, confined to his cupboard for days. Meanwhile, Dudley gleefully breaks his new toys and continues his bullying, joined by his gang. Harry finds solace in the prospect of secondary school, where he hopes to escape Dudley’s shadow, even as the dread of new challenges looms.
After the incident with the boa constrictor, Harry endures his longest punishment yet, confined to his cupboard for days. Meanwhile, Dudley gleefully breaks his new toys and continues his bullying, joined by his gang. Harry finds solace in the prospect of secondary school, where he hopes to escape Dudley’s shadow, even as the dread of new challenges looms.
32-32
Harry Is Left With Mrs. Figg And Not Involved In The Celebration Of Dudley’s Uniform
Dudley showcases his Smeltings uniform, complete with maroon tailcoats and a knobbly stick, parading proudly in front of the family. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon are overcome with pride, while Harry stifles laughter at Dudley’s pompous display. This moment highlights the Dursleys’ excessive adoration for Dudley and their obliviousness to his absurdity.
Dudley showcases his Smeltings uniform, complete with maroon tailcoats and a knobbly stick, parading proudly in front of the family. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon are overcome with pride, while Harry stifles laughter at Dudley’s pompous display. This moment highlights the Dursleys’ excessive adoration for Dudley and their obliviousness to his absurdity.
32-33
Harry Is Given Hand-Me-Down Clothes For His School Uniform
Aunt Petunia repurposes Dudley’s old clothes into Harry’s new school uniform, dyeing them gray in a foul-smelling concoction. Despite Harry’s sarcastic remarks, he resigns himself to the indignity of wearing ill-fitting, second-hand clothes. The moment encapsulates Harry’s struggles with the Dursleys’ neglect and favoritism.
Aunt Petunia repurposes Dudley’s old clothes into Harry’s new school uniform, dyeing them gray in a foul-smelling concoction. Despite Harry’s sarcastic remarks, he resigns himself to the indignity of wearing ill-fitting, second-hand clothes. The moment encapsulates Harry’s struggles with the Dursleys’ neglect and favoritism.
33-35
Harry Is Tasked With Fetching The Mail And Faces Insults From Vernon
Harry discovers a mysterious letter addressed specifically to him in the cupboard under the stairs, written on thick parchment with green ink. Before he can read it, Uncle Vernon intercepts the letter, leaving Harry both frustrated and intrigued. This marks the beginning of a series of peculiar events that disrupt the Dursleys’ control.
Harry discovers a mysterious letter addressed specifically to him in the cupboard under the stairs, written on thick parchment with green ink. Before he can read it, Uncle Vernon intercepts the letter, leaving Harry both frustrated and intrigued. This marks the beginning of a series of peculiar events that disrupt the Dursleys’ control.
35-36
Harry Is Physically Removed From The Kitchen During The Argument Over His Letter
Uncle Vernon reacts with panic upon reading Harry’s letter, sharing his alarm with Aunt Petunia. The adults refuse to show Harry the contents, heightening the mystery. Vernon’s extreme response sets the tone for his growing paranoia and the lengths he will go to suppress the truth.
Uncle Vernon reacts with panic upon reading Harry’s letter, sharing his alarm with Aunt Petunia. The adults refuse to show Harry the contents, heightening the mystery. Vernon’s extreme response sets the tone for his growing paranoia and the lengths he will go to suppress the truth.
36-38
Harry’s Comfort Is Overshadowed By The Dursleys’ Efforts To Keep His Letter Away
Uncle Vernon moves Harry from his cupboard to Dudley’s second bedroom, a space cluttered with broken toys. Though it appears generous, the relocation is motivated by fear of the letters. Harry reflects on the irony of losing the letter while gaining a room filled with Dudley’s discarded items.
Uncle Vernon moves Harry from his cupboard to Dudley’s second bedroom, a space cluttered with broken toys. Though it appears generous, the relocation is motivated by fear of the letters. Harry reflects on the irony of losing the letter while gaining a room filled with Dudley’s discarded items.
38-39
Harry Is Sent Back Upstairs Without Answers About The Letter
Despite being moved to a new room, Harry receives another letter addressed to his new location. A chaotic struggle ensues as Uncle Vernon wrestles both Harry and Dudley to confiscate it. Harry grows determined to uncover the truth behind these persistent letters.
Despite being moved to a new room, Harry receives another letter addressed to his new location. A chaotic struggle ensues as Uncle Vernon wrestles both Harry and Dudley to confiscate it. Harry grows determined to uncover the truth behind these persistent letters.
39-41
Harry Is Blamed For The Chaos And Prevented From Reading His Mail
The Dursleys are inundated with letters arriving through every possible route, defying Uncle Vernon’s desperate attempts to block them. From hidden letters in eggs to deliveries through chimneys, the relentless stream of correspondence unravels Vernon’s composure, leaving Harry hopeful and the family in chaos.
The Dursleys are inundated with letters arriving through every possible route, defying Uncle Vernon’s desperate attempts to block them. From hidden letters in eggs to deliveries through chimneys, the relentless stream of correspondence unravels Vernon’s composure, leaving Harry hopeful and the family in chaos.
41-42
Harry Endures The Family’s Tension And Hunger With No Say In Their Escape
Overwhelmed by the onslaught of letters, Uncle Vernon takes the family on an impromptu escape, changing directions at random to evade their mysterious pursuers. Dudley sulks over his lost comforts, while Harry reflects on the strange events and the uncertainty surrounding his birthday.
Overwhelmed by the onslaught of letters, Uncle Vernon takes the family on an impromptu escape, changing directions at random to evade their mysterious pursuers. Dudley sulks over his lost comforts, while Harry reflects on the strange events and the uncertainty surrounding his birthday.
42-42
Harry Is Yet Again Prevented From Accessing His Own Letters Or Answers
The letters persist even at the family’s hotel, delivered in bulk to the front desk. Uncle Vernon’s growing desperation leads to another round of letter confiscations. As the family continues their frantic journey, Dudley begins to question his father’s sanity, and Harry clings to hope.
The letters persist even at the family’s hotel, delivered in bulk to the front desk. Uncle Vernon’s growing desperation leads to another round of letter confiscations. As the family continues their frantic journey, Dudley begins to question his father’s sanity, and Harry clings to hope.
42-44
Harry Endures The Harsh Conditions While Receiving No Sympathy From The Dursleys
Uncle Vernon relocates the family to an isolated shack on a rock in the sea, confident that no letters can reach them. The freezing, dilapidated shelter offers little comfort, but Vernon remains smug. As Harry contemplates his upcoming birthday, the stormy night hints at an impending revelation.
Uncle Vernon relocates the family to an isolated shack on a rock in the sea, confident that no letters can reach them. The freezing, dilapidated shelter offers little comfort, but Vernon remains smug. As Harry contemplates his upcoming birthday, the stormy night hints at an impending revelation.
44-45
Harry Receives The Thinnest Blanket And Tries To Stay Warm On The Floor
In the shack on the sea, Harry counts down the minutes to his eleventh birthday. The storm outside mirrors the tension within as Harry wonders if the letters—and their sender—can reach him here. At the stroke of midnight, a thunderous knock shatters the stillness, heralding the arrival of a life-changing visitor.
In the shack on the sea, Harry counts down the minutes to his eleventh birthday. The storm outside mirrors the tension within as Harry wonders if the letters—and their sender—can reach him here. At the stroke of midnight, a thunderous knock shatters the stillness, heralding the arrival of a life-changing visitor.
The Keeper of the Keys [B1-C4]
52-53
Harry Realizes They Intentionally Kept His Magical Background Hidden From Him
Hagrid introduces Harry to the basics of the wizarding world, including the term “Muggle,” and explains Harry’s place within it. This marks the beginning of Harry’s education about the magical society he belongs to.
Hagrid introduces Harry to the basics of the wizarding world, including the term “Muggle,” and explains Harry’s place within it. This marks the beginning of Harry’s education about the magical society he belongs to.
56-56
Harry Is Dismissed As Curable By A “Good Beating” In Vernon’s Eyes
When Uncle Vernon insults Harry’s deceased parents, Hagrid loses his temper and threatens him with a pink umbrella. The confrontation further emphasizes the tension between the magical and non-magical worlds.
When Uncle Vernon insults Harry’s deceased parents, Hagrid loses his temper and threatens him with a pink umbrella. The confrontation further emphasizes the tension between the magical and non-magical worlds.
57-58
Harry Reflects On The Dursleys’ Bullying And Neglect
Despite learning about his magical heritage, Harry expresses doubt about his abilities as a wizard. Reflecting on his troubled childhood, he questions how he could possibly fit into the wizarding world, only to realize that unexplained incidents in his life were signs of his magic.
Despite learning about his magical heritage, Harry expresses doubt about his abilities as a wizard. Reflecting on his troubled childhood, he questions how he could possibly fit into the wizarding world, only to realize that unexplained incidents in his life were signs of his magic.
58-59
Vernon’s Refusal To Support Harry Highlights Their Continued Neglect
Uncle Vernon’s attempt to stop Harry from attending Hogwarts results in Hagrid losing his temper and using magic to give Dudley a pig’s tail. This humorous yet significant event highlights Hagrid’s commitment to ensuring Harry’s future in the wizarding world.
Uncle Vernon’s attempt to stop Harry from attending Hogwarts results in Hagrid losing his temper and using magic to give Dudley a pig’s tail. This humorous yet significant event highlights Hagrid’s commitment to ensuring Harry’s future in the wizarding world.
Diagon Alley [B1-C5]
75-75
Harry Reflects On The Dursleys’ Complaints About Supporting Him
Inside his family vault, Harry finds piles of wizarding gold, silver, and bronze coins, revealing the inheritance left by his parents and symbolizing his connection to the magical world.
Inside his family vault, Harry finds piles of wizarding gold, silver, and bronze coins, revealing the inheritance left by his parents and symbolizing his connection to the magical world.
81-81
Harry Is Touched By Hagrid’s Thoughtful Birthday Gift
As a birthday present, Hagrid purchases a snowy owl for Harry at Eeylops Owl Emporium. The owl, later named Hedwig, becomes Harry’s loyal companion and a symbol of his new magical life.
As a birthday present, Hagrid purchases a snowy owl for Harry at Eeylops Owl Emporium. The owl, later named Hedwig, becomes Harry’s loyal companion and a symbol of his new magical life.
The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters [B1-C6]
88-90
The Dursleys Avoid And Ignore Harry Completely
After a month of isolation with the Dursleys, Harry spends time reading his school books and naming his new owl, Hedwig. As September 1st approaches, Harry nervously asks Vernon Dursley to take him to King's Cross station, and the Dursleys agree begrudgingly.
After a month of isolation with the Dursleys, Harry spends time reading his school books and naming his new owl, Hedwig. As September 1st approaches, Harry nervously asks Vernon Dursley to take him to King's Cross station, and the Dursleys agree begrudgingly.
The Man with Two Faces [B1-C17]
307-309
The Dursleys Display Their Usual Disdain For Harry
At the end of the school year, Harry says goodbye to his friends and heads home with the Dursleys. He jokes that he will have fun with his cousin Dudley since the Dursleys don't know he isn't allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts. Harry looks forward to spending the summer with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
At the end of the school year, Harry says goodbye to his friends and heads home with the Dursleys. He jokes that he will have fun with his cousin Dudley since the Dursleys don't know he isn't allowed to use magic outside of Hogwarts. Harry looks forward to spending the summer with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets [B2]
The Worst Birthday [B2-C1]
1-2
The Dursleys Continue to Undermine Harry During Breakfast
Vernon Dursley is furious with Harry Potter after being woken up by Hedwig's hooting noise in the early hours of the morning. Vernon threatens to get rid of the owl if Harry cannot control her, but Harry tries to explain that Hedwig is bored and needs to fly. Vernon refuses to listen and exchanges dark looks with his wife, Petunia Dursley, while Dudley Dursley belches loudly in the background.
Vernon Dursley is furious with Harry Potter after being woken up by Hedwig's hooting noise in the early hours of the morning. Vernon threatens to get rid of the owl if Harry cannot control her, but Harry tries to explain that Hedwig is bored and needs to fly. Vernon refuses to listen and exchanges dark looks with his wife, Petunia Dursley, while Dudley Dursley belches loudly in the background.
2-3
The Dursleys React with Hostility to Harry’s Innocent Comment
After Harry accidentally mentions the word “please,” Vernon Dursley erupts in rage, accusing Harry of threatening Dudley. Harry quickly clarifies that he meant “please,” but Vernon Dursley continues to shout, reminding Harry that he has warned him not to mention his abnormality in the house. Harry, feeling defeated, stops arguing and agrees to keep quiet about magic.
After Harry accidentally mentions the word “please,” Vernon Dursley erupts in rage, accusing Harry of threatening Dudley. Harry quickly clarifies that he meant “please,” but Vernon Dursley continues to shout, reminding Harry that he has warned him not to mention his abnormality in the house. Harry, feeling defeated, stops arguing and agrees to keep quiet about magic.
3-4
The Dursleys Lock Away Harry’s Belongings and Prevent Him From Completing Homework
After the argument, Harry reflects on his miserable summer with the Dursleys. He misses Hogwarts and everything about it, including Quidditch, his classes (except Snape's), and his friends. Meanwhile, the Dursleys have locked away all of Harry's magical belongings and padlocked Hedwig's cage to prevent her from sending messages to the wizarding world. Harry feels trapped and isolated.
After the argument, Harry reflects on his miserable summer with the Dursleys. He misses Hogwarts and everything about it, including Quidditch, his classes (except Snape's), and his friends. Meanwhile, the Dursleys have locked away all of Harry's magical belongings and padlocked Hedwig's cage to prevent her from sending messages to the wizarding world. Harry feels trapped and isolated.
4-5
The Dursleys Treat Harry Poorly Despite His Heroic Past
Harry recalls his unusual past and his connection to Lord Voldemort. He reflects on his lightning-shaped scar, which is a reminder of the night Lord Voldemort killed his parents and tried to kill him as well. Harry is reminded of the mysteries surrounding his survival and Lord Voldemort's downfall. Though he has been raised by Muggles, Harry knows that he is far from normal due to his magical heritage.
Harry recalls his unusual past and his connection to Lord Voldemort. He reflects on his lightning-shaped scar, which is a reminder of the night Lord Voldemort killed his parents and tried to kill him as well. Harry is reminded of the mysteries surrounding his survival and Lord Voldemort's downfall. Though he has been raised by Muggles, Harry knows that he is far from normal due to his magical heritage.
5-5
The Dursleys Show Their Neglect by Ignoring Harry’s Birthday
Harry's twelfth birthday arrives, but the Dursleys completely ignore it. Harry, feeling disappointed but not surprised, reflects on how they have never celebrated his birthday before. Meanwhile, Uncle Vernon focuses on his big business deal, talking only about an upcoming dinner with a potential client. Harry realizes that his birthday is once again insignificant in the Dursley household.
Harry's twelfth birthday arrives, but the Dursleys completely ignore it. Harry, feeling disappointed but not surprised, reflects on how they have never celebrated his birthday before. Meanwhile, Uncle Vernon focuses on his big business deal, talking only about an upcoming dinner with a potential client. Harry realizes that his birthday is once again insignificant in the Dursley household.
5-7
The Dursleys Treat Harry as a Source of Embarrassment to Be Hidden
Vernon Dursley discusses the dinner party preparations with Petunia and Dudley in anticipation of a business deal with Mr. Mason, a wealthy builder. Vernon outlines the roles each family member will play during the evening. Harry is told to stay in his room, remain silent, and pretend he does not exist. Dudley practices greeting the Masons and Petunia Dursley gives him glowing praise.
Vernon Dursley discusses the dinner party preparations with Petunia and Dudley in anticipation of a business deal with Mr. Mason, a wealthy builder. Vernon outlines the roles each family member will play during the evening. Harry is told to stay in his room, remain silent, and pretend he does not exist. Dudley practices greeting the Masons and Petunia Dursley gives him glowing praise.
9-10
The Dursleys Force Harry to Work in the Heat Without Food
After scaring Dudley, Petunia Dursley punishes Harry by giving him an entire day's worth of chores. Harry is forced to clean the windows, wash the car, mow the lawn, and repaint the garden bench, all while Dudley relaxes and eats ice cream. Harry, exhausted and sweaty, reflects on how even the small pleasure of taunting Dudley is not worth the endless work he must endure as punishment.
After scaring Dudley, Petunia Dursley punishes Harry by giving him an entire day's worth of chores. Harry is forced to clean the windows, wash the car, mow the lawn, and repaint the garden bench, all while Dudley relaxes and eats ice cream. Harry, exhausted and sweaty, reflects on how even the small pleasure of taunting Dudley is not worth the endless work he must endure as punishment.
10-11
The Dursleys Give Harry a Meager Meal and Send Him Away Before Their Guests Arrive
As evening approaches, the Dursleys make final preparations for the dinner party. Petunia Dursley cooks the meal, including a large pudding, and tells Harry to quickly eat his meager supper before sending him to his room. Uncle Vernon and Dudley dress in formal attire, preparing to impress the Masons. Harry is reminded once again that he must stay out of sight for the entire evening.
As evening approaches, the Dursleys make final preparations for the dinner party. Petunia Dursley cooks the meal, including a large pudding, and tells Harry to quickly eat his meager supper before sending him to his room. Uncle Vernon and Dudley dress in formal attire, preparing to impress the Masons. Harry is reminded once again that he must stay out of sight for the entire evening.
Dobby's Warning [B2-C2]
17-18
Uncle Vernon Threatens Harry Over the Noise in His Room
As Dobby continues to cause commotion in Harry's bedroom, Uncle Vernon barges in, furious that the noise has ruined the punchline of his joke to the Masons. Vernon threatens Harry with severe punishment if he causes any more disturbances. After Vernon leaves, Harry lets Dobby out of the closet where he hid the elf, and they continue their conversation.
As Dobby continues to cause commotion in Harry's bedroom, Uncle Vernon barges in, furious that the noise has ruined the punchline of his joke to the Masons. Vernon threatens Harry with severe punishment if he causes any more disturbances. After Vernon leaves, Harry lets Dobby out of the closet where he hid the elf, and they continue their conversation.
21-23
The Dursleys Restrict Harry’s Freedom and Provide Minimal Food
Following the owl incident, Uncle Vernon makes good on his threat and locks Harry in his room. He installs bars on the window and adds a cat flap to deliver small amounts of food. Harry is trapped, unable to escape, and spends his days in isolation. Harry wonders whether anyone will come to rescue him or if he will be stuck at Privet Drive forever.
Following the owl incident, Uncle Vernon makes good on his threat and locks Harry in his room. He installs bars on the window and adds a cat flap to deliver small amounts of food. Harry is trapped, unable to escape, and spends his days in isolation. Harry wonders whether anyone will come to rescue him or if he will be stuck at Privet Drive forever.
23-23
The Dursleys’ Neglect and Cruelty Manifest in Harry’s Troubled Sleep
After falling asleep in despair, Harry dreams of being trapped in a cage at a zoo before waking to see Ron Weasley peering through the bars on his window. Ron’s unexpected appearance offers hope to Harry in his dire situation.
After falling asleep in despair, Harry dreams of being trapped in a cage at a zoo before waking to see Ron Weasley peering through the bars on his window. Ron’s unexpected appearance offers hope to Harry in his dire situation.
The Burrow [B2-C3]
25-26
Fred and George Use Their Father’s Enchanted Car to Free Harry
Fred and George Weasley tie a rope to the bars on Harry’s window and use the strength of their father’s enchanted flying car to rip them free. Harry nervously watches as the plan unfolds, worried about waking the Dursleys, but the operation is successful, and Harry’s escape begins.
Fred and George Weasley tie a rope to the bars on Harry’s window and use the strength of their father’s enchanted flying car to rip them free. Harry nervously watches as the plan unfolds, worried about waking the Dursleys, but the operation is successful, and Harry’s escape begins.
26-27
Fred and George Break the Lock to Retrieve Harry’s Belongings
Fred and George skillfully pick the lock on the cupboard under the stairs using a hairpin, freeing Harry’s trunk of school supplies. While they retrieve his belongings, Harry quickly gathers personal items, preparing for their daring escape.
Fred and George skillfully pick the lock on the cupboard under the stairs using a hairpin, freeing Harry’s trunk of school supplies. While they retrieve his belongings, Harry quickly gathers personal items, preparing for their daring escape.
27-28
Harry Escapes the Dursleys with the Help of the Weasleys
As the Weasleys pull Harry’s trunk into the flying car, Uncle Vernon bursts in and grabs Harry’s ankle. With the Weasley brothers pulling from the car, Harry breaks free and flies off into the night, leaving the Dursleys behind as they shout in disbelief.
As the Weasleys pull Harry’s trunk into the flying car, Uncle Vernon bursts in and grabs Harry’s ankle. With the Weasley brothers pulling from the car, Harry breaks free and flies off into the night, leaving the Dursleys behind as they shout in disbelief.
