[HPforGrownups] Re: A journey "into the thickets of wildest guesswork."

[Dantzel Withers]

No: HPFGUIDX 161642

Carol:
   
  I don't think, first, that Dumbledore, who believes that house-elves
should be treated humanely, could or would compel a house-elf to serve
as a slave to a Muggle. (I'm not even sure that a house-elf would work
for a Squib if one were the last heir of a wizarding family.) Your
hypothetical house-elf belonged to the Potters, not the Muggle
Evanses. He would have no obligation to work for the sister of James
Potter's wife. His obligation would be to Harry, who would not be
doing chores for Petunia if he owned a house-elf. (The house-elf would
never allow it, nor would he allow either Dumbledore or Petunia to
override his obligations to his true master.)

Dantzel responds:
   
  I must say that I thought Beatrice's  theory was absolutely brilliant. I can see your argument, Carol, but keep in mind the behavior of house elves. We know that the Potters were good and kind- therefore, if they had house elves, no doubt they were very kind and their elves would have worshipped them, much as Dobby does Harry. 
   
  Couldn't it stand to reason, therefore, that the 'Potter!Elf' would keep himself hidden from Harry if that's what he thought was best for Harry at the time? We do know that Dumbledore is good with house elves and they respect him.
   
  So... I see it as possible. Quite possible.
   
  Dantzel, who now wants Harry to have inherited a house elf.