[HPforGrownups] Re: Hermione's idealism

[Iggy McSnurd]

No: HPFGUIDX 81981

> Marianne:
> Plus, trying to unlock Squibs' magic is certainly not as easy as
> tossing a piece of clothing to an elf.  You'd think that maybe this
> task would actually appeal to Hermione more, in that she'd have to do
> all sorts of research to try to figure out a cure for squibness.


Iggy:

Mentioning this brings up a point I've pondered for a while... (Please
forgive me if it's been posted on before...)

Dobby is freed not because Harry gave him a sock, but because Lucius Malfoy
did through Harry's trick.
(He was freed not because he was given a sock by someone, but because his
EMPLOYER gave him the sock.)

The House Elves at Hogwarts, it is reasonable to assume (especially since
Dobby went to Dumbledore for his job), are employed by the Headmaster... not
by the other staff or the students.

By this merit, the only effect the caps and such that Hermione sets out
(and, indeed, it does have this effect) would be in offending the House
Elves.  Since she is not their "employer", she would have no power to let
any of them go free.  (This would be like a student at a university trying
to fire a janitor....)


Comments?

Iggy McSnurd
the Prankster

"I think, therefore I'm dangerous."

--- Yet ANOTHER one of Iggy's 72 collected bumper stickers