How They Serve: Guide to House Elf Behavior

How They Serve: A guide to House Elf behavior

By Thomas Freeman

Powers

Wandless Magic

While inferior to the magical human powers of wizards, it can be useful.

I. Defense/ offense for protection of Wizard masters

II. Household spells, including cooking, cleaning, and maintenance

III. Generalized forms that can be adapted according to need

Innate Magic

I. Portation of self and objects, even in places warded against apparation and disapparation

II. Protective magic including fields of protection

III. Primative fidelus charm insures loyalty

Note that while some wizards in the past have argued that so called "freed" house elves possess more power; they are more predictable and easier to manage when properly bound to those they serve.

Binding

Traditional Binding Ritual circa 1800:

I bind you elf to my own kin

To betray this house whose blood I hold

Would banish you from our protective fold

I bind you twice obey and serve

I bind you thrice as you deserve

Loyalty to me you owe

Serve your master's house and all within

Binding spells of course are usually only needed for newly acquired house-elves. House- elves born into a family are bound by the other house-elves and then presented when they are old enough to perform their first Act of Service, usually at about a year old, when they will bring you breakfast in bed whether you want them to or not.

Uniform

Servants may be safely uniformed in any item that is not clothing; as to present them with clothes would mean their freedom. Do not dare offer them so much as a stocking or undershirt if you wish to keep them properly bound.

The recent fashion has house-elves wearing tea towels emblazoned with family or house crests, and effective solution to preventing their appearance from being so filthy and disheveled as to offend those of more sensitive taste.

Feeding

House elves live off scraps and leftovers no one would want to eat, and therefore require no special provisions.

Uses & Primary Tasks

I. Prepare delicious meals

II. Serve "invisibly"

III. Clean and maintain the home

IV. Protect the home from intruders

V. Entertain and provide useful information

VI. Traceless magic for delicate situations

Discipline

House elves will usually discipline themselves if they suspect they have done something wrong or failed to properly uphold the honor of their master. You will find it endlessly amusing to suggest additional punishments, as they are a particularly hardy breed of magical creature and can endure all sorts of harsh treatment.

Use of a wand is a very serious offense and breach of family honor. Punishment varies according to family tradition, though most experts agree that expulsion from service is the least effective. Although all proper elves will be tormented and aggrieved to be separated from their masters, there exists the occasional rouge elf who for reasons unexplained by learned wizards, actually take delight in freedom and so spread discontent and mischief throughout the magical realm.

The most popular punishment for serious offenses is death, as truly unruly house elves must be made examples of else the entire system fails.

Suggested Self Afflicted Punishments for House Elves:

I. Bang head on stone walls

II. Self flagellation

III. Flatten ears or nose with heavy objects

IV. Poke with decorative cane or sharp sticks

Conclusion

House elves live to work and serve their masters. Their life long goal is to anticipate their master's needs and bring honor to his house. You will find them eager to please and of great value to your home as servants and upholders of wizarding tradition.