House elves battle

[grouchymedic_26149]

No: HPFGUIDX 176301

I apologise in advance if this question has been answered before, and I
missed it.

In the final battle for Hogwarts, the house elves burst from the
kitchen, and attack the forces of LV with knives and meat cleavers. Why
not magic?? Numerous references in canon allude to the magic of house
elves. Dobby has used magic numerous times in the books, apparating on
Hogwarts grounds, jinxing the bludger during the quidditch match, the
hover charm at Privet Drive, closing the barrier to platform 9 3/4, and
apparating to and from Harry's house on Privet Drive. Kreacher
apparates to and from 12 Grimmauld Place, and presumably used magic in
the cave, as well as during Mundungus Fletcher's capture. Why not use
magic at the BIG battle, when all the marbles are up for grabs. Seems
kind of funny when it REALLY counts, the house elves don't use magic,
but resort to close quarters armed combat instead.

Thoughts, anyone??

Paul L.