OotP vague spoilers: House Elves

[Helen]

No: HPFGUIDX 62311

As I mentioned in my other post, I have tried to wade through the 
posts since OotP came out, but have not got through all of them yet, 
so I'm sorry if I repeat something someone else has said

*VAGUE SPOILERS*
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I think, having read book five, I am still with Hermione on the 
liberation of the House Elves, whether they want it or not. The 
issues about the rights of non- or part-human creatures has become 
somewhat more important in this book, as several people have noted, 
and I do think that it would have great consequences for the 
wizarding world if they were to be freed, particularly as we know 
them to have very powerful magic, when they have permission to use 
it. 

It may be, as many have pointed out, in a House Elf's nature to serve 
humans, however, there is an important line between a servant and a 
slave. Dobby has become a servant of Hogwarts – he is paid, given 
fair working conditions, and he has rights, but he is still doing 
what he does best, and what, in the end, he seems to want to do, 
which is serve people.

Finally, I think Kreacher also shows us something important. The 
intelligent non- and part-human magical creatures will choose their 
own sides in the Second War whatever their rights are. Whether we 
fear that they will choose to become evil or not, it is important 
that they are offered a choice, as freedom of choice is a basic 
right. Kreacher could not have been prevented from turning to the 
dark side any more than Draco Malfoy would suddenly become good if 
Dumbledore imprisoned him, if anything Kreacher's enslavement 
probably made him even more likely to rebel against his master. 

Where does everyone else stand on this? Anyone wanting to join 
S.P.E.W.? I can sell you a badge for two sickles
?

~ Helen