Hogwarts House-elves (wasRe: Kreacher the Plot Device Elf (was: Potter...

[potioncat]

No: HPFGUIDX 161792


> Carol responds:
> I'm not sure what you're getting at here, but Winky is a freed (or, 
in
> her view, fired) house-elf who is employed by Dumbledore (or 
Hogwarts
> in general) but doesn't regard him as her master. She doesn't do any
> work, spends her days drinking butterbeer or sleeping it off, and
> still regards Mr. Crouch as her master.

Potioncat:
Well, it just seems odd that someone would go get a house-elf. I 
suppose DD could have been showing gracious manners, or perhaps Winky 
simply wouldn't have come. I don't think she doesn't do any work at 
all. She's ashamed of having been put out, but isn't so low as to ask 
for wages.

On the other hand, the image of her peering out from behind Snape's 
legs is the one cute Snape moment we're shown.


Carol:

> 
> IMO, DD is sending them both to do useful and necessary tasks while
> the Polyjuice Potion wears off. Otherwise, they'd just be standing
> around waiting and Barty's story couldn't be as easily confirmed.
> (Note that McGonagall's task isn't really essential to this process,
> but I suppose DD wants Sirius Black to be involved in some way and 
to provide emotional support for Harry.)

Potioncat:
Yes, Snape would have to go get the potion, and it was good of DD to 
have Black brought into the castle. So there was reason to send the 
professors for those tasks.

It's just, in the hospital, if I need a housekeeper I pick up the 
phone and call the housekeeping office. I don't send a nurse to get 
one. So it isn't clear to me why DD sent Snape when there was another 
way of communicating to the house-elves. Besides, wouldn't it have 
been easier for Winky to Floo to Crouch's office rather than trotting 
along after Snape's long legs?