There's a new little blurb from JK Rowling on her website Pottermore. To access it and find the layers (magic ones!) that allow you to read the excerpt is a challenge akin to the TriWizard Tournament. At least at first. Or if we're being honest, at least for Muggles like me. It's supposed to be an origin story about Petunia and Vernon Dursley- inhabitants of the famous No 4 Privet Drive; parents to the distinctly dislikeable Dudley; uncle and aunt to that beloved Boy Who Lived.
What is new is how they met-at work. What's terrific fun is how Vernon reacts when she tearfully confesses her connection with the world of 'freaks' and magic outside a chip shop-with warmth, support and the promise not to hold it against her. She responds to that with "such violent gratitude that he dropped his battered sausage". No, that's not a euphemism. We hope.
Advertisement
It explains how Petunia was essentially sick of being outshone by Lily, so she first refused to have her sister as her bridesmaid, and then refused to attend the Lily-James wedding. The last communication between Potters and Dursleys was the announcement of Harry's birth and "with a contemptuous look, Petunia threw it in a bin."
Advertisement
It also shares her reasons for taking Harry in when Dumbledore deposited him (guilt) and also for treating him horribly while he was there. ("she was punishing him for her choice in taking him"). Better fun are Rowling's own thoughts-and her reasons for the etymology of their names "Petunia is the name I always gave unpleasant female characters in games of make believe I played with my sister, Di."
Advertisement
(And for the two of you who might be wondering how, where and why -- I was lucky enough to visit the sets. Which meant I got to hang with the cast, chill at the Ministry of Magic, stop by Privet Drive, visit the Hogwarts Courtyard before it was destroyed. In short, it was Christmas come early and better than ever.)
Advertisement
So Jo, if you're reading this-make the next one soon please? And perhaps consider removing those hoops we have to jump through? I'm just a Muggle, after all.
Advertisement
Aneesha Baig is NDTV's Lifestyle Editor and Anchor, Will Travel For Food
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Harry Potter's Ron And Padma Patil Met After 20 Years: "Get To The Dance Floor", Say Fans "Real-life Harry Potter Snake" Found In Assam, Himanta Sarma Shares Pics Shamita Shetty's London Diaries Had A Harry Potter Twist. See Post Krishan Kumar's Daughter Tishaa Dies After "Battle With Illness": Family A Day After Divorce Announcement, Natasa Stankovic Posts Pics From Serbia Review: Bad Newz Relies On Vicky Kaushal To Pull It Out Of The Fire Centre Issues Advisory On Microsoft Windows Outage Woman Says Jindal Group Executive Groped Her On Flight, Naveen Jindal Reacts How World Scrambled To Deal With One Of The Biggest IT Crashes: 10 Points Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.