Kreacher the Plot Device Elf

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 161786

> >>bboyminn:
> <snip>
> There is no indication that Dobby is or was ever less than a hard 
> working dutiful house-elf.
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
The Malfoys would strongly disagree.  Dobby undercut Lucius's plans 
and reported directly to their enemy (as per Dobby's view of 
Harry).  You can't get less "dutiful" than that.

> >>bboyminn:
> Dobby's actions 'against' the Malfoy's is similar to 
> Kreacher betrayal of Sirius, but there is a difference.
> Dobby acted to save someone and did so in a way the 
> wasn't really detrimental to his master. Note that I 
> said 'in a way' not detrimental. It certainly did 
> attempt to foul Malfoy's plan, but did not attempt or 
> intend to cause direct harm to the Malfoys.
> <snip>
> Again, the action of the two elves in this one instance are
> similar, but I see Kreacher's betrayal as greater and
> more vicious.
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
Again, it's all in the eye of the beholder here.  Of course you 
don't see the Malfoys as being harmed. You disagree with their 
philosophies and goals (I assume <g>) so if they're foiled, no real 
harm or foul.

But for all Dobby knew, his betrayal could have lead to Lucius being 
Kissed.  (Willingly and knowlingly releasing a magical beast on the 
WW's children is not something I think the MoM would have taken 
lightly.)
 
> >>bboyminn:
> Kreacher on the other hand, I believe, is too far 'round
> the bend to ever be a fully functional house-elf. True
> under better circumstances he may be able to find some
> family who would take him in and tolerate him until he
> finally died, but I think his level of service would be
> marginal at best.
> <snip>

Betsy HP:
Based on Kreacher's actions in HBP and his services to Narcissa, I 
think you're completely wrong.  Kreacher is fine.  He's just 
suffering under a Master he despises as much as Dobby despised the 
Malfoys.

Give Kreacher to Draco and I'm betting he'd be as loyal and hard 
working as Dobby is for Harry.

Betsy Hp (who thinks it's a mistake to link house-elves to human 
slaves but has to run and so can't say more than that. <g>)