Hogwarts elves/ Was:Dobby and Winkie sitting in a tree...

[Michael Perry]

No: HPFGUIDX 160353

puduhepa98 at aol.com:
> Very good point here.  I think that HG, not being of the WW, has
> misunderstood the possible result of her actions.  She doesn't have elves
and so doesn't
> understand that she cannot free the Hogwarts elves.  The  elves themselves
> are so adverse to being freed (and kicked out of their no doubt  cushey
job)
> that they will not take the chance by picking up her hats. ( If  the
students
> could order the elves around they wouldn't need to sneak down to  the
kitchens
> for food <g>).  Does this mean Ron knows that H is  wasting her time and
just
> doesn't tell her or doesn't he give it any  thought?
> 


That's a wonderful point about the House Elf. If picking up an article of
clothing constituted being freed, they couldn't very well do their job... if
laundry is one of their jobs for a family.

Perhaps the difference lies in that they work for Hogwarts, instead of for a
family? Then if any student gave them clothing, they'd be freed (fired)
since the clothing is left for an elf? Perhaps it's the intent (a magical
bargain/contract, as with the cup) that makes the difference? Or perhaps the
author isn't quite up on her own story line? <g>

The cup couldn't really bind HP, I'd think, since he hadn't submitted his
name, except that the cup had been confused by a spell put on it.

Michael Perry