Unread postby Frances » January 4th, 2013, 5:13 pm
Harry's taste for revenge seemed to increase dramatically when he found out that Vernon and Petunia had defeated the attempt to charge them for Harry's attempted murder. I could definitely see him taking further action if he felt like his initial efforts had failed to keep the Dursleys from regaining their previous lifestyle. I agree that I can't see Harry actually using the Cruciatus Curse on them and also feel that that particular threat had more to do with establishing a relationship of trust with Griphook.
Yet, Harry was completely chuffed when the twins interfered with Vernon Dursley's appearance and his labour board hearing in a way that got Vernon arrested for contempt. My interpretation was that they had slipped Vernon some of their Veritamints and Vernon found himself unable to lie during the hearing, which is bound to be problematic as he was protesting having been fired for just cause. I wonder whether he confessed to the actions that had gotten him fired, or just expressed his honest opinion about a judge?
Sirius also promised to torment the Dursleys some while he was out collecting horcruxes, though if he actually did anything I don't remember it coming to light in the story. Ginny decided to take action against them in the future, though she didn't tell Harry that. Further, Harry is surrounded by fierce friends and advocates who all have powerful magic and a sympathetic hatred of the Dursleys. While I think Harry does have some more revenge left in him, I wouldn't be surprised if the people who care about him end up doing so much damage that Harry will never feel the need.
As far as tormenting the Dursleys coming back to haunt Harry, I think his destiny is not really dependent on them any longer, but I think it might look bad for Harry if someone learns about what has been done to his aunt and uncle. For example, if the Authorlord needs a good excuse for Dumbledore's doubt of Harry's intentions to take a sharp upswing at some point, Dumbledore could learn about a series of damaging "pranks" played on the Dursleys by various members of Harry's inner circle. Dumbledore never really seemed to believe that Harry's injuries hadn't been exaggerated when he'd been hospitalized, and what might seem to him to be overkill in the revenge department would have the headmaster seeing shades of Tom Riddle's proto-death eaters.
In fact, if several of Harry's friends feel the impulse to interfere with the Dursleys in small ways, then the sum of all of their actions might actually be a much harsher revenge than any of them intended. Anyone assuming that the various efforts were coordinated could come away with a flawed understanding of what Harry's circle of friends are about.