[HPforGrownups] Who do the Hogwarts house elves answer to?

[RoxyElliot at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 70741

In a message dated 7/15/2003 9:08:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
rvotaw at i-55.com writes:

> I'd always assumed that Dumbledore was in charge of the house elves at 
> Hogwarts.  After all, he hired Dobby, even gave him a salary, and gave Winky a 
> job too.  So it's only natural that when Umbridge took over she would be in 
> charge of them in place of Dumbledore.  Which explains why Dobby was beating 
> himself up over warning Harry about her coming.  But then Harry orders Dobby to 
> lie to her if she asks him if he's talked to Harry, and orders Dobby to stop 
> hurting himself.  And Dobby thanks Harry.  Can any student order the house 
> elves around?  Even over the "headmistress?"  I know Fred &George had no 
> trouble getting food from the house elves in the kitchen, but that didn't really 
> seem like ordering them around, they were more than happy to provide food.
> 
> Thoughts on the matter?  It just seems a bit dangerous if any Hogwarts 
> student can order house elves to do things (or not tell, etc.).  Of course, Dobby 
> could consider Harry a bit above the other students--but to accept his orders 
> over someone with more authority?  I just find it a bit odd.  
> 
> Richelle

Dobby isn't enslaved though.  He's an employee.  He also has a great respect 
and admiration for Harry.  Also my guess is that much like Dumbledore's 
portraits, the house elves may not have recognized Umbridge's authority anyway.

Roxanne
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hearing voices no one else can hear isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding 
world.
-Ron Weasley


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