Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire | Chapter 21 Summary

Chapter Twenty-One

The House-Elf Liberation Front

 

Harry and Sirius seem to be communicating a lot lately because Harry writes Sirius yet another huge letter telling his godfather all about the Hungarian Horntail dragon that Harry defeated in the first Triwizard Tournament task. Harry is the happiest guy in the world now with Ron back on his side; therefore, Harry is not bothered much anymore by the “Potter Stinks” buttons or the comments from other students. Harry is extremely upset, however, when he finds Rita Skeeter snooping about Hogwarts grounds, even interviewing Hagrid. Both Harry and Hermione are worried that Rita Skeeter will most certainly twist everything Hagrid says. 

On the house-elf front, Hermione urges both Harry and Hermione down to the kitchens one day where they are very surprised to find Harry’s old friend Dobby, the house-elf. It turns out that Dobby has been working for Hogwarts for a week now and is very happy because he is getting paid for his efforts. He also gets days off once in a while (which is almost unheard of for a house-elf). Dobby loves being free even if the other house-elves do not agree with his new-found freedom. For example, Winky also is employed at Hogwarts now, but she has fallen into depression as a result of the freedom she is given. The friends are surprised to find out that the house elves are the ones who make the food magically appear on the plates in the great hall for the feasts. They are even more surprised when the house-elves give Harry, Ron, and Hermione lots of food to take back with them. Hermione especially is happy that Dobby has come to Hogwarts to live and work. In fact, Hermione is hoping that some of Dobby’s thoughts about freedom might convince other house-elves to feel the same way.