Harry might maintain his sanity through his memories of Hogwarts. The thought of his friends, the magic he has learned, and the happy times at school could be his mental refuge. For example, he could recall the fun times in Potions class or flying on his broomstick during Quidditch matches.
He could also maintain his sanity by focusing on his revenge in a non - violent way. He might plan to show the Dursleys how wrong they were about him once he becomes a powerful wizard. This long - term goal gives him something to hold on to. Additionally, Harry could find solace in small acts of kindness from unexpected sources, like the kindness of a stray cat that visits him. This small connection to something positive can help him keep his mind together.
Harry may keep his sanity by delving into his studies even at the Dursleys'. He could practice magic in secret, which not only gives him a sense of power but also a distraction from the torture. He could study the history of magic and learn about great wizards who overcame difficult situations. This knowledge could inspire him and make him feel that he is not alone in his struggle, thus helping him maintain his mental state.
Harry might cope by retreating into his own thoughts and memories of his parents and the wizarding world. For example, he could think about the good times at Hogwarts to endure Vernon's torture.
He survives through his strong willpower. Harry has always been a determined character, and that could help him endure the torture.
It might show the constant power struggle between them. Harry, as a wizard, has an inner strength that the Dursleys try to suppress with their mundane and cruel ways. So it's a battle of wills.
Yes, there might be some extremely dark and out - of - canon fanfictions out there with such a disturbing premise, but it goes against the general nature of the original story where Harry's parents loved him deeply. However, in the vast world of fanfiction, people can create all kinds of strange and often inappropriate scenarios.
The Dursleys could also cripple Harry emotionally in fanfiction. Their constant belittling, isolating him from others, and treating him like a burden could break his spirit. This emotional crippling might make it difficult for Harry to trust people, form relationships, or even fully embrace his wizarding identity. He may become withdrawn and lack the confidence needed to face the challenges in the wizarding world.
These fanfictions can expand the view of the Harry Potter universe. They focus on an aspect that was already present in the original series but might not have been explored as deeply. By emphasizing Harry's abuse by the Dursleys, it can change the way fans view the relationship between the Muggle and magical worlds. It can also make fans more aware of the potential darkness that exists in the seemingly ordinary Muggle world. Moreover, it might influence how fans perceive the role of family in the series. Harry's lack of a loving family at the Dursleys' makes his found family at Hogwarts even more precious.
His character becomes more empathetic. Having experienced abuse himself, he can better understand the pain of others. This could lead to him being more kind - hearted towards those who are also suffering in the wizarding world. He might be more likely to stand up for the underdog. In these fanfics, his own pain at the hands of the Dursleys shapes his values and how he interacts with others.
Harry might rely on his own wits and magic. Since he has some natural magical abilities, he could use them to fend for himself, like conjuring food or finding shelter.
One possible plotline could be Harry finding a magical way to fight back against the Dursleys' torture while still hiding his magic from the Muggle world. For example, he might use some subtle magic to make things go wrong for the Dursleys when they are being especially cruel. Another could be that his Hogwarts friends discover what's going on and come up with a plan to rescue him during the holidays. Maybe Hermione uses her knowledge of the law to find a way to legally remove Harry from the Dursleys' custody.
In this type of fanfiction, Harry's character development often starts with his initial vulnerability. He is a victim of the Dursleys' abuse, which makes him timid and withdrawn. But as the story progresses, he begins to fight back, either in small ways like defying their rules or in bigger ways by using his magic. This shows his growth from a meek boy to a more assertive one.