hogwarts - How did they know Harry hadn't read the first letter?

In Harry Potter, the first book, Harry receives a letter from Hogwarts after he turned eleven. Due to the interception of his uncle, he didn't get to read the first letter.

They then began to send him dozens of letters, and then they sent Hagrid since they could not reach him by mail.

How did they know that he hadn't read the first letter?

Answer

He didn't reply.

Dear Mr Potter,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Quite why they started mithering him before the deadline is another question, possibly because they normally get responses back earlier?

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