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

[Ceridwen]

No: HPFGUIDX 160371

Michael:
> 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.

Ceridwen:
I think one distinction could be made here.  When Hermione leaves her 
knitting around, she intends for the elves to pick it up and be 
freed.  These pieces are clothes looking for an owner.  When she 
leaves her clothes out to be laundered, she expects the clothes to be 
returned, or, if the item is old, she expects it to be recycled in 
some way, not kept by the elves.

Michael:
> 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>

Ceridwen:
And, perhaps it's the position of the person offering clothes that 
counts.  Can any member of a family offer clothes?  Or only 
the 'master' or his or her designee?  It's hard to imagine a system 
which would free an elf on a child's whim if the child is angry at 
the parents, for example.

Ceridwen.