Freedom for House-Elves (Was: Kreacher the Plot Device Elf)

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 162054

> >>Ceridwen responded:
> > <snip>
> > But, the situation exists.  Harry, without asking for it, got 
> > Kreacher willed to him.  He now has one of two options: give
> > Kreacher clothes, or not give him clothes.
> > <snip>
> > House elves bring another layer of responsibility to their       
> > owners. Elves' natures, whether charmed or inborn, mean they want 
> > to serve wizards and witches.  They fear freedom, from what I get 
> > from the books.  
> > <snip>

> >>Carol:
> I agree, and I think a-svirn has conceded the fear of freedom in
> another post. It seems to be the word "responsibility" that's      
> causin problems here.
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
IMO, I think it's more what encompasses Harry's responsibility.  From 
what I'm understanding, both you and Ceridwen seem to feel that 
Kreacher's mental well-being is dependent upon Harry giving him 
chores.  It doesn't matter if the particular assignment forces 
Kreacher to betray a family he loves (spying on Draco), as long as 
Kreacher is busy.

Frankly, I don't understand that view point.  I'm not sure what canon 
you all are drawing on.  I don't recall Kreacher ever complaining 
about a lack of work.

The way I see it, Kreacher starts off as a prisoner of war.  He is 
bound by the house-elf enchantments to the enemy.  Harry has made 
sure that he cannot escape, and he's humanely given him food and 
shelter (which I agree is a good thing).

But then Harry (or JKR?) makes the odd decision of having Harry 
behave not as someone responsible for a prisoner of war.  Harry 
becomes a slave owner in every sense.  He assigns Kreacher a task 
Kreacher does not want but has no choice but to do.  That's not Harry 
acting responsibly.  It's Harry acting as a normal wizard of the WW 
who owns a house-elf.

> >>Carol, simply arguing that if Harry *must* be a slave owner, he   
> ought to be a responsible one

Betsy Hp:
I'm just not sure why Harry needs to take on the role of slave 
owner.  Wouldn't a guard for a prisoner of war be enough?  And a tiny 
bit more noble?

Betsy Hp