In the Dursley family are the first people the readers ever hear about. Even before anyone discovers the back story of Harry himself, the readers are learning about Vernon Dursley as he goes about his day. In the film, the first location the audience ever sees is Privet Drive, home of Harry’s abusive adoptive family. While they treat Harry poorly, their importance across the franchise and their presence in almost every installment makes them key characters.
There is a lot to discover about the muggle family which many fans won’t be aware of, and these ten facts about the Dursleys that might be news to some.
Petunia and Vernon Met At Work
As everyone knows from his fondness for Dudley’s education career, Vernon attended Smeltings School, before moving on to work for Grunnings, a drill company. Petunia attempted to work her way into the wizarding world, but her rejection played a big part in her hatred of magic.
As such, she and Vernon met in just about the most ordinary way possible: they met while she was working in an office, in which she bumped into Vernon.
Their Goodbyes To Harry Were Very Different
In the film adaptation of The Deathly Hallows, the goodbyes that were said to Petunia, Dudley and Vernon were made much darker and more brief.
Vernon made no attempt to apologize to Harry whatsoever, while Petunia and Dudley showed a change in attitude. Dudley shook Harry’s hand and showed genuine remorse, which made Petunia cry- she nearly spoke to him upon their departure, but changed her mind and remained silent.
Petunia Died Before 2020
From Harry Potter And The Cursed Child (whether anyone counts it as official canon or not), everyone found out that Aunt Petunia had died.
The audience didn’t find out how or why or how old she was, and it's unclear if she remained in with Harry directly since leaving Privet Drive. There is no news on whether or not Vernon is still canonically alive, although actor Richard Griffiths died in real life.
Vernon Signed A BBC Petition
JK Rowling’s Twitter page is known for its ability to shed light on certain extra details about characters from the Wizarding World.
One such piece of information that has been gleaned was about Vernon Dursley. When the UK motoring show Top Gear was put on hold when host Jeremy Clarkson punched a crew member, Rowling explained that Dursley himself signed a petition for his reinstatement.
Vernon Is One Of Just Four People Whose Thoughts We Saw
Throughout the Harry Potter book series, the reader almost exclusively followed scenarios that allowed a window into what Harry was thinking and feeling. It was very rare that readers would be given an outsider perspective.
Aside from the Prime Minister of the UK and Frank Bryce, Vernon Dursley was the only other character the readers got to look into deeply.
Dudley Had A Family
After the events of The Deathly Hallows, no one heard much about Dudley Dursley. He sent Harry the blanket he was wrapped up in as a baby after the death of Petunia and remained on ‘Christmas card ’ with him.
He ended up married and had children, and on occasion, Harry and Dudley would sit quietly together while their children played.
Dudley Was Originally Going To Have A Magical Child
In one of JK Rowling’s original plans for the epilogue of The Deathly Hallows, she was going to have one of Dudley’s children be a wizard who was being sent to Hogwarts.
This would have been an interesting way to explore the development and growing acceptance of his character, but she changed her mind, stating that no magical blood would be able fight it was past Vernon’s anti-magical blood.
Harry Never Saw Aunt Marge Again
Aunt Marge was one of the easiest characters to hate in the Harry Potter world, but the audience only saw her for a few minutes before she flew off into the sky.
This also happened to be the last time Harry ever came into with Marge, as the Dursley’s never invited her back to their home during the time Harry was in it.
The Meaning of Petunia
JK Rowling was very clever with her choice of words and names in Harry Potter. Everyone know the meaning of some of Snape’s first words to Harry, but one thing that is often overlooked is the meaning of Petunia’s name.
Her sister Lily has an obvious connection to the pleasant flower of the same name; a petunia is much less common, and typically used to represent anger and resentment, as well as the comfort of another person. Both of these definitions apply well to Petunia, in her overt mannerisms and subtle loneliness.
Their House Moved Location
In real life, number four Privet Drive was shot in a real location in Surrey, England. Eventually, the studio realized that a more permanent setting was needed, and they produced a replica of the house in which all future scenes would be shot.
This version of the house still stands and can be viewed at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in North London.
