Chapter 27 - Small story of the house elf

I could see the curiosity on Nymphadora's face so I decided to tell her why Fomsey acted like this. I told her to follow me to the living room so that I could explain her better. Once we were seated by the fireplace I began to explain.

''You see, Fomsey is that way becouse of her race, that she says she's a good elf is a vocal tic. Every house elf has some kind of tic, some may insult you, others when they think they are doing something wrong they do not hesitate to hurt themselves very seriously and others act as if they are in constant terror.'' I said. While more doubts appeared on her face, I continued to explain.

''The house elf of today is totally different from that of ancient times. Since our house elves are an amalgamation of magic. You could say that they were forced to change.'' After saying that I looked at Nymphadora's face and I could see that she was not understanding what I was referring to. So I decided to change my explanation.

''Nymphadora, do you know what a salamander is?'' I asked her.

''Yes, I do remember that a couple of months ago one came out of our fireplace. My mom chase it with her wand because it was setting everything on fire. She said it appeared becouse we didn't clean the fireplace enough after using the floo powder'' She answered me.

''Indead a salamander appear when magic is used on a unsuppervise fire for a long time. And in a similar way the ancient house elves were born. The difference is that these were born of the love that was generated in a home.'' I told her.

This time she understood me. But this only raised more questions then she told me. ''So why is Fomsey like this? I remember that in Diango alley there was a place that sold domestic elves. I even saw some babies.''

So I answered her. ''I'm getting to that. It take years of family love for a few to be born. But once there was a small community of these in a house because it was not just one. They started stealing socks to make their clothes. And in return they helped with the housework, I think there are even some stories where they helped make shoes. The problem with these elves is that they died after being seen.''

''Our community was aware of them, so it was difficult for them to survive in the magical homes. But unlike us Muggles had no idea and house elves could thrive. This was the case for years until some wizards figured out how to alter their appearance by integrating magic at their birth. Seeing witches in houses using magic was one of the causes of the witch hunt during the 14th century.''

''The magical alteration made them dependent on the magic of a wizard, besides that it made them grow and changed their body forever. Before they were the size of a palm and they looked more human, somewhat plump and with white hair, one could confuse them with little grandparents.''

After listening to me, Nymphadora was thoughtful. After all, hardly anyone talks about the history of house elves. So it was normal to have at least a little surprise when hearing it. After a few minutes, she said.

''If they are born of love to the house. Why do almost all wizards treat them so badly?'' I could see that she was hurt. I sighed and answered her.

''That's because they forgot what it really means to have their company, as well as many other creatures. They think that it is a right they have and they do not realize that it is a privilege.''

''What should I do if I see one that has been abused?'' She asked me. Sadness was all over her face. I got up from my seat and walked towards her, since I was not as tall as she was, I had to stand on tiptoe while I stretched my arm to c.a.r.e.s.s her head. While doing this I told her.

''Then you should treat them with the respect they really deserves. Only then would you return their true nature to them and they would return their unconditional love that only they can demonstrate. Who knows that a small action for you can be the world for them. It might even one day save your life.'' I said as I started to think of 2 elves that actually demonstrated this trait.