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Chapter Thirty: A Minor Interlude
Hermione then pulled out a small box. Although Lockhart had already read the plot, he didn't immediately make the connection.
"Vomiting? What do you mean, Hermione?"
"It's not vomiting, Professor — it's S.P.E.W., the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare." Hermione sounded utterly exhausted from having to explain it repeatedly.
"Professor, if you'd be willing to join, it would boost the society's reputation enormously." She looked at him with hopeful determination.
Lockhart felt genuinely exasperated. When he'd read the original books, he'd thought this part of Hermione was rather endearing — but experiencing it personally was a different matter altogether. Rubbing his temples, he said, "Hermione, stop fussing. I have house-elves at home, and honestly, I can't imagine living without them. You've studied wizarding history, haven't you? House-elves only ended up in their current position after losing the war against witches and wizards. The fact they weren't wiped out was already considered merciful."
"For thousands of years, house-elves have been regarded as the property — the servants — of wizarding families. They've grown used to this role, and they won't suddenly appreciate your efforts to change it."
"But Professor, haven't you ever thought about how they feel? They have no personal freedom! No holidays! No health or life insurance! No security when they grow old! Shouldn't someone—shouldn't we—do something for them? They don't even have clothes!" Hermione stared at him, bewildered, as if she were seeing him for the first time.
Lockhart let out a long sigh and summoned his house-elf.
"Jim, this young lady has a few… concerns about house-elves. Why don't you talk to her?"
"Beautiful lady, is there anything you require? Jim is honoured to serve his master's friend!"
"Er… Jim, don't you ever wish for better treatment? Or more freedom?" Hermione asked hesitantly.
Jim looked horrified, as though Hermione had suggested something criminal. He darted behind Lockhart, trembling.
"Master, this wicked witch wants Jim to do terrible things! Jim would never betray the master!"
Before Jim could continue swearing eternal loyalty, Lockhart dismissed him. Harry and Ron were both wheezing with laughter, delighted by the scene.
"You see, Hermione?" Lockhart said calmly. "House-elves won't change their views just because you believe they should. If you're determined to improve things, the best start is public opinion — convince people that treating house-elves kindly is moral, admirable. Once that idea becomes accepted, then improving their welfare won't meet so much resistance."
"That… actually makes sense, Professor. I understand!" Hermione brightened suddenly, deep in thought, then dashed off.
"Oh wow, Professor — that was brilliant!" Ron said, looking impressed. "Hermione's been driving us mental, and you got her to leave with just a few sentences."
"Right, you lot take the rubbish back. I'll stay here and keep watch." Lockhart wasn't interested in wasting any more time. The Goblet of Fire mattered more than Hermione's crusade.
"Professor, there's no need for that. Who'd come up with such a daft plan to hurt Harry anyway?" Ron said dismissively.
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