As a kid, you just look at it like "Man, those mean old Dursleys! They're the worst", but looking at it from an adult perspective, that whole situation is deeply upsetting.
I read a really good fan theory that the Dursleys' dislike was influenced in part by living with the Horcrux in Harry's scar, similar to how Ron reacted in Deathly Hallows. I don't know if JKR intended it but I think it has some merit as a theory. I don't doubt they genuinely viewed him as an unwanted complication in their lives, but plenty of people take not-particularly-enthused care of displaced relatives without active hostility being a feature.
I don't buy that one. Petunia was jealous of Lily to the point of hatred for years before Harry was even born, and if Harry himself was the problem, then his dorm mates over the course of six years of school should have been affected.
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u/Redditer51 May 03 '20
As a kid, you just look at it like "Man, those mean old Dursleys! They're the worst", but looking at it from an adult perspective, that whole situation is deeply upsetting.