House elves battle

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 176373

---  "grouchymedic_26149" <tctrppr at ...> wrote:
>
> Paul:
> ...
> 
> 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?? 
> ...

bboyminn:

Well, it seems as if the question has already been
answered, but I will expand on it a bit.

Others are right, Elves can't and wouldn't use magic
especially against wizards without expressed permission
of someone qualified to give them orders; their Master
in other words.

It is not enough, that a reasonable and logical 
conclusion would lead them to understand that Hogwarts
was being attack and that they needed to defend it.
Someone would specifically have to tell them 'you may
use any and all magic at your disposal to defend 
Hogwarts'. In short, even when it is painfully
obvious, permission can NOT be assumed; it must
be stated.

Next, I think we are dealing with an element of the
nature of Elves. They would think it inconceivable
to use magic against a wizard. Look at the reaction
when Dobby acted against the Malfoy/Blacks at Malfoy
Manor. Bella was incensed that an elf would even
conceive of magically acting against or disarming
a wizard. 

So, I think, the elves with Kreacher's encouragement
knew enough to know that they were expected to 
defend their home and their Masters. They could
conceive of attacking certain wizards in that 
context, but could never conceive of attacking them
magically without expressed permission.

As a side note, I was just reading that part of the 
book again, and I thought the story might have be
smoother if Harry had summoned Kreacher when Ron 
became concerned about the fate of the House-Elves.
Kreacher could have been sent to tell the elves to
flee or fight. Then when they came rushing out, it
would have made more sense. Not complaining, just
making a comment that's all.

Steve/bboyminn