Freeing House-Elves against their will (was: Re: CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Chapter 13)

[karenlyall666]

No: HPFGUIDX 91943

Neri wrote: <snip>

> I think most of us agree that the house elves can't be 
> freed against their own will (that would be an internal 
> contradiction), though I suspect Ron's objection is at 
> least in part just plain wizarding conservatism. 
> 
Elihu's answer:
> 
> What about Winky (for her, "That means clothes" was a threat)? She 
> was freed against her will.


Hi this is my first post and I really hope I get my point over okay 
and follow all the rules.  If I make any mistakes, please be kind.

My thought is: can Hermione leaving these clothes out for the House 
Elves to pick up actually free them.  The only freed Elves we know of 
are Winky and Dobby both of whom where freed by the actions of their 
Master/Owner/Employer (however you want to put it).

Crouch states he will 'give' Winky clothes and the last person to 
handle the sock that free's Dobbie is Malfoy Snr.

Wouldn't the Hogwarts House Elves have to be freed by Dumbledore or 
the current Head of the school?  Some what the same as the only 
person able to sack an employee is their boss, NOT a fellow employ.  

This also brings into question as to wether this is how to get round 
the 'laundry' question I have come across on the list.

I hope all of this was relevant and I made sense.  Thanks for 
listening.

Newbie Karen 
(Posting as karenlyall666)