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Chapter 555: Let's Begin with Investigation, Hermione
Wade flipped through Hermione’s Society Proposal Book, saying, “I’ve taken a look—your short-term goal for the House-elf Rights Promotion Society is… to secure fair wages and decent working conditions for House-elves.”
On the pages, a detailed list outlined the proper compensation and holiday entitlements for every type of House-elf job they performed.
“And your long-term goal,” Wade turned the page, “is to free all House-elves from their state of slavery, improve their legal status, allow them to use wands, and even advocate for a Little Sprite to be granted a position in the Magical Creatures Regulation Office?”
“That’s right,” Hermione declared firmly, nodding. “I know it’s difficult—so we should start with the short-term goals! First, we must ban Wizard cruelty and the abuse of House-elves!”
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the group. “I’ve noticed that many Wizards still mistreat and physically punish their own House-elves. Remember Dobby at Malfoy Manor? That’s exactly what happened!”
“But Hermione…” Padma frowned, confused. “You’ve known about this for ages. Why are you suddenly—suddenly—having these thoughts?”
“Yes, I know,” Hermione admitted, her voice tight. “But I thought it was just an exception. After all, it’s Malfoy. I wasn’t surprised they treated their Little Sprite that way. Then I heard Dobby was hired by Wade…”
Her eyes flickered toward him, expression shifting between unease and something deeper—complexity.
“I heard about the working conditions you gave him. I assumed that was normal. But then… I realized…”
She took a deep breath, her voice rising with frustration. “I realized that none of the other House-elves have it! Not even at Hogwarts! Over a hundred Little Sprites work day and night—no sick leave, no benefits, no rights at all!”
Her tone dripped with disappointment and contempt, as if silently declaring: Even Dumbledore is no better.
The others exchanged glances.
“Theo spoke up. “But Hermione, maybe you don’t quite understand… House-elves like serving Wizards. It’s instinctual.”
“They don’t need wages or freedom,” Michael added. “To them, these things would be an insult.”
Wade raised his hand, and silence fell.
“Hermione,” he said gently, “I believe you’re right. The system of Wizard enslavement of House-elves is a historical injustice, and most people turn a blind eye to their suffering.”
He looked at her with quiet respect. “You have the courage to raise these issues—something truly noble. Even if many mock your ideas, history will prove you were right. You’re ahead of your time.”
The group stared at him, stunned. Only Michael rolled his eyes slightly and muttered to Padma, “I bet there’s a ‘but’ coming.”
Hermione blushed, flustered and pleased. “Well… I just think it’s a grave social injustice. Wrong actions must be corrected.”
“But from your proposal book,” Wade set it down, “I only see a description of the current state of House-elves, and your two goals. What exactly are you planning to do?”
Hermione perked up instantly. Without thinking, she adopted Professor McGonagall’s serious posture, her voice crisp and focused:
“I’ve already thought it through!”
“First, we recruit members—each pays two Sickles. The funds go toward printing flyers.”
“Then, I plan to convince the House-elves at Hogwarts that they’re being enslaved. I’ll help them realize they deserve wages and holidays—rights they’re entitled to!”
“Next—free the school’s House-elves. I’ve checked: as students, we are technically Masters. If I give one of them clothing, they could gain freedom!”
At that, the group shifted uncomfortably. Why was every step aimed at Hogwarts?
And especially the final one—freeing the Little Sprites—sounded terrifyingly plausible.
They exchanged glances. Harry leaned in, whispering, “Hermione, if Hogwarts has no House-elves, who’ll clean the castle and cook for us?”
“We can do it ourselves!” Hermione snapped. “Or we can pay people to clean the common areas!”
“Harry, do you really think we need to oppress House-elves just to survive?” she shot back.
“N-no,” Harry stammered. “You know… I was like a House-elf in the Dursley household.”
“Exactly!” Hermione slammed her hand on the table. “So you should understand how desperately we need to change their suffering!”
“But freeing House-elves outright? That’s too extreme,” Wade said. “Have you thought—what will they do after they’re free?”
He offered an example: “Dobby struggled to find work. He nearly ended up homeless. If one Little Sprite finds it hard… what about a hundred suddenly freed? Have you considered the consequences?”
Hermione fell silent. After a long pause, she stammered, “Well… the world’s big. Surely… someone could find work. Dobby is working for you, isn’t he?”
“Yes. But assuming they can all find employers? That’s wishful thinking. Without a family, a House-elf might starve, or turn to crime, or be killed by extremist Wizards. Is that what you want?”
Hermione said nothing. She pressed her lips together, but her face still showed stubborn disbelief.
“Here’s what I suggest,” Wade said. “You believe they deserve freedom and shouldn’t be enslaved. But releasing them recklessly would only make their lives worse. And most people believe House-elves like being enslaved. But no matter which view you take—either way, it’s still our assumption.”
Hermione’s eyes flickered. She looked up at him.
“This is still Wizard arrogance, Hermione,” Wade said, cutting straight to the heart of it. “If you want to help them, you must first listen to what they truly need—instead of deciding for them.”
“Don’t rush to recruit members or force Wizards to change their minds. Instead, start with a survey. Find out what House-elves actually want.”
“Don’t ask them if they want freedom—most will be offended. That will poison your campaign. Instead, ask:”
“Do you feel tired from your daily work? Do you get enough rest?”
“What happens when you make a mistake? Do you have enough food and shelter?”
“If you’re injured, do you receive proper healing?”
“Would you be happy if your Master thanked you? If you could earn a small reward, what would you buy?”
“If you could try a different job, would you want to change? What’s your favorite job? What do you hate most?”
“How do you feel about Dobby’s current life?”
“If you left Hogwarts one day, would your life improve? Would you want to change your situation?”
“And if you could live freely, what would you choose to do?”
“Only when you understand their real needs can you build a plan that actually works.”
He paused, meeting her gaze. “Does that make sense, Hermione?”
Hermione stared into those gray eyes. The candlelight danced in them, casting shifting shadows that turned the winter-gray irises into warm amber.
She was speechless—embarrassed heat rising to her cheeks.
But then, her face lit up again with that familiar, unwavering idealism.
“I understand,” she said quietly. “I need real, reliable data—so I can truly think from a House-elf’s perspective.”
She snapped into action, pulling a scroll of blank parchment from her backpack. With focused speed, she began writing her Investigation Report.
(End of Chapter)
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