This thread is for the discussion of the House Elves- Kreacher, Dobby and in general.

I personally was somewhat shocked at the transformation of Kreacher. Pleasantly shocked though. I thought it was fantastic that a little niceities on the part of Harry could make Kreacher do such a huge turn-around. It made me a little sad thinking of Sirius, as I loved the character of Sirius, however it does put a large self-blame on his death, given Kreacher's betrayal and how nasty Sirius was to him.

And I thought Kreacher leading the House-Elf attack at Hogwarts was just brilliant! I was cheering for him!

I was saddened by Dobby's death, but I don't know if I actually expected it or not. I initially said that I didn't, but then part of me could really see him sacrificing himself for Harry. I was disapointed that we didn't get to see more of Dobby before hand actually. But it was nice that we got to see more of Kreacher and see his connection with Harry and, in particular, his role with Regulas and the Horcruxes.

So... what did you think?

Kreachers change surprised me. I wasn't expecting him to be co-operative. I absolutley hated him for betraying Sirius, but I don't know, I just can't seem to hate him in this one, especially when he led the other house Elves into the fight. That was pretty cool.

Dobby was always my favourite. And to have him die reaslly sucked! I was crying for pages after that, and even more so when Harry dug the grave and made the tombstone. It was the most emotional part in the books for me, to see a little being that had helped Harry so much die for him in a most unexpected way. It was heartbreaking. I'm glad they all added something of there's to his body, Harrys' jacket, Rons' socks and shoes, Deans' hat. It was a nice touch considering he was a free elf.

I didn't expect them to fight though. And if I were the DE's the moment I saw little House Elves running towards me screaming and waving knives I would have bolted! That would have to be one of the most scariest things in the book!

I'm glad she didn't add Winky though, that elf annoyed me so much.

Yeah - odd that Winky was absent, wasn't it? Maybe JKR just forgot...she's prone to do that sometimes.

Well, I never expected to end up like Kreacher, that's for sure! That was one aspect that I thought was particularly well done - Dumbledore and Hermione has always been right about the treatment of "lesser beings" in the wizarding world, and I'm glad that both Harry and Ron's altered attitudes towards him brought such fruitful rewards. I loved how Harry thought of Kreacher when he knew that he wouldn't be able to return to Grimmauld Place, and I particularly loved that Kreacher led the house elves in the final battle after Dobby's rather sad end.

I had a feeling that Dobby would die, and I'm glad that he died heroically. I'm also very glad that Harry felt his death as much as he did, and his thoughts about burying Dobby himself and in the days that followed show more keenly Harry's maturity than at any other point in the books.

Very satisfied, overall - and I'm very glad that Kreacher, in the end, redeemed himself with something that was an over-riding theme of the books; friendship

I felt such a rish off affection for Dobby and Kreacher and all of them. When they all stromed into the great hall crying to get the Voldemort for Harry and Regalus.

I loved Krecher in the end. I just understood him why he just was horrible to them. He wanted to be treated nicely just the same. It's a big morale there for us humans.

But my heart lies with Dobby the most he was brave and true to the end. He died doing what he loved saving Harry Potters life. It was so sad to see him go. I even shed a small tear. R.I.P Dobby.

Oh yes the absence of WEinky she was there among the crowd of them i suppsoe. But i forgot about her to. But there you are.

I wish they had taken a more important part in the battle, and throughout Harry's 'quest'

I was really sad for Kreacher when Harry, Ron and Hermione didn't go back after they entrance to the Ministry. I could just imagine him getting angry at them and kind of thinking back and calling them stuff for leaving his food. But I was really happy when they attacked in the end, and I also thought it was really noble of him to have done it for Regulus.

Dobby's death really shocked me, but I've already discussed that in other Post's. The main thing is that I wish he could have survived and help before!

Did the House Elves use any magic? I can't recall (I'm going to start to reread the book tomorrow) I know they had weapons, kitchen utensils and the like. I figured if any of them was close to be as being as powerful of Dobby they could have wiped the floor with the Death Eaters. Were they not allowed to use magic?

I must be wizard-minded, because it never occurred to me that House Elves would be among the deaths!

I was devastated when Dobby died! I never expected it and he was a real shock... (same thing with Hedwig) Their deaths were almost more devastating because they were so unexpected! I found most of the deaths very sad, but even the ones that I didn't expect were not devastating, because you always knew there would be unexpected people dying.

I really liked the touch of Harry physically digging Dobby's grave, instead of doing it magically.

I LOVED the transformation of Kreacher! As much as I loved Sirius (and I'm still MAD he's not back!) Kreacher really did respond to respect and caring! I think the most hysterical thing in the book was his hitting Mundungus with the frying pan, and also great was his leading the House Elf brigade!!!!!

The only thing I was disappointed about was that they missed his special dinner and he never knew why, and that he led the fight for Regulus and not Harry.

Louise, I don't think that JKR forgot Winky... she was likely off drunk and sulking somewhere. I vaguely remember JKR saying that she didn't think Winky would ever get over being freed.

I would have liked to know what happened to Kreacher, though. Did he continue to work for Harry, or did he wish to be freed? Too many things left unanswered.

ha, I suppose spew payed off at last!

all jokes aside, I highly enjoyed the role of the house elves in this novel. I think in the second book Dobby mentions how terrible timese were for them the first time Voldemort took over. It seems as if they've gotten their revenge now.

Kreacher's total transformation was not expected, but I think it was nice that we got to see Regulus in a good light (he was related to sirius, he can't be all that bad ). So it looks like Dumbledore and Hermione were right all along, that a little kindness and respect can go a long way. It's endearing to see how quickly Harry can learn to care for someone, how easily he can accept someone as a part of his life (like how he feels bad about Kreacher being left in Grimauld Place). Oh, I loved how Kreacher wanted to hit Mundungus again, "for luck!"

As for Dobby, well, I really didn't see that one coming. This was the death I cried for, the others were too shocking or expected. But this is what Dobby always set out to do, protect Harry Potter, no matter what. His burial was probably one of th most touching and significant parts in the novel. Harry's yet again reminded of people who have sacrificed themselves for him and now he must decide how he should act. Choose the Hallows, which Dumbledore never told him about, or the Horcruxes? Each boy giving Dobby an article of their clothing was really something. Finally, I just loved what was written on the tomb stone Harry created (Here lies Dobby, a free elf). It was so perfect, and I think that's exactly how Dobby should be described.

I really enjoyed Kreachers transformation, and his new devotion. That was really cool, especially when Harry was staying in Grimmauld Place and he needed someone to help him out with all the cooking and cleaning, as well as telling him about Regulus.

Dobby's death was easily the saddest death of the book! He was such a kind little house elf...anyhow i was pleased too see that he was included, even though the New York Times had spoiled that bit for me a couple of days before.

With the attack of the house elves, we know from CoS that House Elves can do magic, so why were they just brandishing knives? Why weren't they blasting the death eaters away like Dobby blasted Lucius Malfoy???

Dobby the best house that ever lived. very very sad that winky was not in the book but you cant ask for everything or can you? kreacher became very admirable in the end actualy i loved ever since he first came into the book. serious was stupid for never liking him thats why i was kinda happy when he died. i dont like that Bella Lestrange killed Dobby but i do forgive her because she is one of my other favorite characters. Dobby has been so good to the books but his departure was expected and mourned. Dobby the House Elf will for hopefully REST.IN.PEACE. Thanks dobby. A muggle will miss you.

I LOVED the transformation of Kreacher. As pixymajik said, the treatment of Kreacher really affected how he acted when it came to Sirius. I was so amazed by how Kreacher came to like Harry, Ron, and even Hermione. I laughed when he did a "spasm" of a bow to her. I LOVED it. Then, as they were leaving go to the ministry, he said he was waiting for them with a kidney steak. And I was just sooo Happy with him. So Happy.

When Harry, Ron, and Hermione, accidentally brought Yaxley back with them, seriously, the first thought that came to me was Kreacher. I could see him excited that they were back and all of a sudden be facing a Death Eater. I was really worried about him. Then, in the end of the book, he was there fighting too, and I felt this weight lifted off my shoulder.

I just wish Sirius would've been kinder. Also, This transformation of Kreacher's has made him one of the things that excite me most about DH. I know it's ridiculous, there's so much in the book that was much more "cooler" or "exciting" than Kreacher, [ha, atlreast that's what everyone tells me] but he was one of my favorite parts.

The Death of Dobby. I can't even talk about it. It was just so depressing. The suspense, with the knife, you think Harry saved Dobby, and then he goes and dies! It was just, too much. Then Dobby's last words...that was great. I loved the headstone. "Free" *sighhh* It was great. Also, I loved how Griphook said to Harry that he is unlike any wizard he has ever known. I thought that was a bigger deal then it ended up being, and I thought it would make Griphook give Harry the sword. But I'm getting off topic.

Back to Dobby, I remember in the 2nd book, he greatly annoyed me, as i'm thinking he was meant to do to readers. But it's funny how much we've all come to love Dobby.

Now, Winky.. I saw this forum, "the house Elves," and knew I had to post because I rreally really love Kreacer. and to tell you the truth, It's pathetic but I kind of forgot about Winky. Seriously, what happend to Winky?? I wonder if this question will be answered in JKR's enclycopedia.. or if it's kind of too random.

Wow, this is the longest I've ever posted, I think. I'm glad my longest post so far was about Kreacher and Dobby.

According to the chat Jo said that Winky took part in the House Elves attack against the Death Eaters. So I guess she's better. I wonder if she's heard of Bobby's death and how she would react if she does.

I don't think winky would care too much. She always seemed not to care whether he was there or not.

I did love Kreacher in the end though. Leading all the house elves. It was such a great picture, and such a big turnaround from book 5. It is sad to think of how different the books would be if Sirius were nicer to him.

Dobby's gravestone was awesome. I found it especially cool that Harry dug the grave by hand, and he made the message himself. I feel like that is excatly how Dobby would have done it.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The house-elves were a big part of this book. Kreacher turned nice and helped the trio, Dobby died saving Harry and his friends, and the fact that Ron mentioned the house-elves to Hermione, it led to their first kiss!!!!!! As I have said many times before, my least favorite death in DH was Dobby's. It was so sad!!! After all of these years that Harry was helped by the cute little elf, he dies?!?!?!?! What's up with that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved the change with Kreacher! I guess it proves if your nice to someone then they will be nice to you. I was suprised though. Didn't think he would be so cooperative.
I miss Dobby!! I loved Dobby and was so sad that he died. The way Harry handled the funeral was so touching! It just made me stop and think.

Kreacher had a huge change and I loved it! I loved he helped Harry, Ron, and Hermione and helped fight off the Death Eaters.
And poor Dobby! I almost cried when he died because it was so sad!

I think it was super sad but added something to the book. I don't know what though. I guess it sort of brought out Harry's sensitive side a little more. I know when Sirius and Dumbledore died he was really sad, but I think Dobby's death kind of hit him a little harder. Maybe because it was more unexpected and it wasn't by a curse, but by a knife. I don't know. But it was a super sad part.
On a happier (slightly) note, I think Dobby had amazing courage in this book! He saved Harry Ron and Hermione and I couldn't be more proud of him!