I saw some readers suggesting that the Goblin Rebellion was related to the House-elves, believing that the elves and Goblins rebelled together, which led to their enslavement.
But in reality, the two should be unrelated; Goblins and House-elves are two different species.
One of the reasons for the Goblin Rebellion was that Wizards wanted to enslave Goblins just as they enslaved House-elves.
If Goblins and House-elves had rebelled together, it would be strange that Goblins were still allowed to manage Gringotts after their defeat, while House-elves became complete slaves.
This book is more inclined to portray House-elves as simple, easily domesticated magical creatures, and will not focus on freeing them, but rather on their existence as loyal servants. I hope all readers understand~
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After the feast, students streamed out of the Great Hall in groups, the corridors filled with discussions about the Triwizard Tournament.
Only Hermione walked slowly, head bowed, her brow furrowed.
"Hermione, what's wrong?" Harry noticed her unusual behavior.
"Nothing," Hermione replied dismissively, but her footsteps halted.
Ron said carelessly:
"I bet she's still thinking about those House-elves."
"I want to go look at the kitchen," Hermione suddenly announced.
"What?" Ron's eyes widened.
"You're going out after hours?"
Hermione ignored him and turned to search for someone in the crowd.
She remembered Charlie mentioning the location of the kitchen. Although she hadn't paid much attention then, she realized now that Charlie should know how to get there.
In the Entrance Hall, Charlie was preparing to leave.
Ernie and Justin were beside him, still excitedly discussing the Triwizard Tournament.
"Charlie!" Hermione quickly walked over.
Ernie and Justin exchanged glances and, sensing the situation, told Charlie:
"We'll head back first."
Hermione waited until they were far away before asking, "Do you know where the kitchen is?"
Charlie raised an eyebrow. "The kitchen?"
"Yes." Hermione bit her lip. "I want to go see the House-elves."
Charlie was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "You're going out after hours?"
Hermione blushed slightly. After all, she used to severely condemn Charlie's habit of going out after hours.
"I heard Nick say that Hogwarts has hundreds of House-elves, and they all work in the kitchen. I want to see their condition with my own eyes."
Charlie found it rather interesting. Since he was going to sneak out anyway to earn tyrant points, he might as well go with Hermione.
"Fine." Charlie turned and headed towards the stairs.
"Follow me."
The two crossed the Entrance Hall, descended the stone steps, and arrived at the first-floor corridor.
Hermione followed behind Charlie, her gaze sweeping over the walls on both sides of the corridor, trying to find the kitchen entrance.
But aside from stone walls and portraits, there was no sign of a door.
Charlie stopped in front of a giant painting. Inside the frame was a huge silver platter piled high with various fruits—apples, oranges, grapes, and a particularly large green pear.
"Is this it?" Hermione looked at the painting, unable to find any trace of a door.
Charlie didn't speak, but reached out and tickled the green pear in the painting.
The pear suddenly wiggled and let out a giggle.
Hermione stepped back in surprise, watching the pear gradually morph until it became a green doorknob.
"So that's how it is." Hermione realized.
Charlie grasped the handle and pulled gently, and the kitchen door swung open.
A wave of warm air rushed out, mixed with the fragrance of food and the scent of cleaning agents.
Hermione took a deep breath and followed Charlie inside.
The sight before her made her stop dead in her tracks.
In the massive room, copper pots and pans hung from the high ceiling. Four long tables were neatly arranged, corresponding exactly to the dining tables in the Great Hall above.
A brick fireplace blazed fiercely, and several large cauldrons were bubbling hotly.
What shocked Hermione even more were the House-elves.
Hundreds of House-elves were bustling about the kitchen. They were small, with pointed ears, and wore identical clothes printed with the Hogwarts crest.
Some were washing mountains of dishes, some were scrubbing the floor, and others were preparing ingredients for the next day.
As soon as Charlie stepped into the kitchen, the nearest House-elves looked up.
"Mr. Charlie!" one House-elf shrieked, rushing over.
"It's Mr. Charlie!" another one ran over, too.
Instantly, a dozen House-elves swarmed from all directions, scrambling to bow and greet Charlie. They held trays laden with refreshments, juice, and small cakes.
"Does Mr. Charlie require a late-night snack?"
"We have freshly baked Pumpkin Pasties!"
"And Meat Pies!"
"Would Mr. Charlie prefer Pumpkin Juice or apple juice?"
The House-elves spoke all at once, their eyes gleaming with adoration.
Charlie's reputation at Hogwarts was considerable. Although these House-elves usually didn't appear before students, they had heard the students' discussions.
Charlie waved his hand, indicating that the House-elves didn't need to fuss.
"I just came to look around. Carry on with your work."
The House-elves were clearly disappointed, their large ears drooping.
Just then, Billy walked out from the depths of the kitchen. Unlike the other House-elves, he wore a tuxedo, looking like a butler.
"Everyone back to work!" Billy clapped his hands, and the other House-elves immediately dispersed, returning to their posts.
He turned to Charlie and bowed respectfully.
"If Mr. Charlie requires anything at all, please call Billy anytime."
"Got it." Charlie nodded.
Billy glanced at Hermione again, then turned and left as well.
The House-elves resumed their work, moving swiftly and coordinating seamlessly.
"How long do they work each day?" Hermione suddenly asked.
"Until they finish the tasks at hand," Charlie replied.
"Do they have rest time? Do they get paid?"
"Not that I know of."
"Then this is absolutely a corrupt system of slavery! How can House-elves, as sentient beings, be enslaved?"
Hermione felt extremely distressed about this.
Charlie shrugged.
"Then go tell them not to serve Wizards anymore, and see if they agree."
Hermione took a deep breath and, slightly defiant, walked toward the nearest House-elf.
That House-elf was scrubbing a large cauldron. Hearing footsteps, it looked up, its eyes full of confusion.
"Hello," Hermione said, trying to keep her tone gentle.
"I wanted to ask you, working so long every day, aren't you tired?"
The House-elf paused, then shook its head.
"Kebi is not tired, Little Wizard. Serving Young Wizard is Kebi's honor."
"But you should have your own lives." Hermione crouched down, trying to meet its gaze.
"Don't you want wages? Don't you want holidays?"
Kebi's eyes widened even further, and it took a step back.
"What is the Little Wizard saying? Kebi does not need wages! Kebi only wants to serve the Young Wizard!"
"But—"
"Little Wizard, please stop talking."
Kebi suddenly shrieked, covered its ears, and turned to run away.
Charlie felt amused by the sight. Not all House-elves were like Billy, willing to accept payment and provide extra services.
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