[HPforGrownups] Q's about house-elves

[Amanda Geist]

No: HPFGUIDX 98111

Franzi:

> 1. In OoP after Dobby warned the DA members that Umbridge is on her way he
starts to punish himself. But since he is a freed house-elf there should be
no need to do so. Is it just the old habit? (Sounds more like Winky to me.)

But he isn't free. He's taken a job at Hogwarts. Even if he's paid, he's
bound now, presumably to the "family" (administration) that owns the "house"
(Hogwarts). Umbridge is a member of the family--the highest-ranking at the
moment--and as such, he is bound to obey her. Even if he's paid, I presume
the ground rules would stay the same.

~Oldest!Amanda