Kreacher the Plot Device Elf - Madness, Magic, and Honor

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 161821

> >>Betsy Hp:
> > But since Kreacher didn't *want* to serve tea to any
> > of Sirius's guests, I think there was a method to his
> > "madness". 

> >>bboyminn:
> No, I think there is just madness, but that's just my
> opinion.
> Keep in mind that what Kreacher thought of Sirius didn't
> change that fact that Sirius was the one true last 
> decendant heir to the Black Estate.
> <snip>
> But regardless of Sirius's status in the family, he is the 
> last true Black, and I believe Kreacher would and should
> honor that. 
> He would and should but he's mad as a hatter.

Betsy Hp:
First of all, that would mean that Dobby is similarly mad.  But 
second of all, *Sirius* didn't hold his position as the last of the 
Blacks with any sort of honor.  JKR says that the Order waged a war 
against the Black House.  Sirius aided and abetted that war, leaving 
Kreacher to defend the family home on his own.

Kreacher doesn't betray Sirius.  Sirius betrays him and the entire 
House of Black.  The female line is the only avenue left for 
Kreacher and, with a great deal of cunning, he takes it.  I have a 
hard time seeing Kreacher as helplessly mad since he sets and 
achieves his own goals.  Harry has to think and plan when he's 
dealing with Kreacher.
 
> >>Betsy Hp:
> > Also, I think it's important to remember that a house-elf
> > uses *magic* to do much of their work.  So what's 
> > drudgery to you or me is a snap ... to a house-elf.  ...

> >>bboyminn:
> This ties back to my theory that house-elves can only us
> the magic that wizards have specifically allowed them to 
> use.
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
Hey!  I had a joke in there!  Why'd you cut out my joke?  ::tear of 
hurt feelings slides down my cheek::  <eg>

It's an interesting theory.  I'm not sure I buy it, myself. (Surely 
Lucius wouldn't have allowed Dobby to use magic against him.) But 
even if it were so, normal, every day, run of the mill housework is 
done by magic.  So house-elves aren't on their hands and knees 
scrubbing the floor, for example.

Betsy Hp