House-Elf Justice - Nature of Elf Enslavement

[Kathy]

No: HPFGUIDX 129612

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <bboyminn at y...> wrote:
Now to the nature of these /enchantments/. I contend that what binds
an elf is a rigid fierce unwavering sense of honor, commitment,
tradition, history, and loyalty.

I also believe that the house-elves have much more to do, probably in 
the last book.  Although I don't quite agree with your version.  In my 
mind, if there were a history, Hermione would know it and find it.  
Try though she may, we see no explanation of these creatures.  

Dumbledore's comment makes it clear that it is through their own 
desire that they serve wizard-kind.  Why?

To my mind, it is because before the history of wizards, there were 
the elves and they were nastier than any goblin or mountain troll 
could ever be.  It's not that they didn't have honor, commitment,etc.  
It was because of that honor..the honor biding them to protect 
their 'village' against any other, that they finally realized that 
annihilating themselves wasn't the answer. Perhaps they all of it 
began because they destroyed humans without meaning to.

At that point, they realized it was time to change - and being 
honorable, they took what was left of mankind and gave them powers, 
promising to serve them until their penance was paid.  Then, through 
this enchantment...they simply forgot.

In my scenario, Dobby will be the one to save Harry, if he needs it.  
In the end, Hermione will get her wish - all house-elves will be free, 
if they so choose it.  Remember in COS when Dobby asks Harry if 
there's anything he can do for him for getting him his freedom - Harry 
asks Dobby never to try to save his life again!  Think about those 
ramifications.  Sort of a good thing that Dobby doesn't follow the 
rules, huh?

KathyO