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

[k12listmomma]

No: HPFGUIDX 161658

Beatrice:
I have a theory.  Admittedly, it is a wild theory.  So, if you will
indulge me, let us leave "the firm foundations of fact and [journey]
together through the murky marshes of memory into the thickets of
wildest guesswork" (HBP, 197).

A Theory:  What if the Potters had a house elf? <snip>
What if there is literally MORE to her than meets the eye: It is the
secret to her immaculate house. <snip>
So, back to my theory.  Suppose that DD indicates in his letter to
Petunia that there is a house elf who will enter into the service of
the family, if Petunia desires it.

Shelley enters:
But, we see Petunia cleaning constantly. She's the type of woman who 
wouldn't trust a house elf to do her work for her. She's a perfectionist 
when it comes to her home- a compulsive sort. I think for your theory to be 
plausible, she would have to be a little "less" diligent, and yet have her 
home perfectly spotless anyway.

Boy, what I wouldn't do for a house elf.

Shelley