Chapter 165: 'Oppresion and Slavery”

Chapter 165: “Oppresion and Slavery”

At Hogwarts, Mr. Pringle, the castles caretaker, had never been well-liked, and numerous unsettling rumors circulated about him within the castle.

However, it was important to note that Mr. Pringle had never physically punished students, especially not in such a cruel manner.

Even when dealing with students who had committed serious violations of school rules, like Neville, their punishments usually amounted to chores or confinement.

Yet, Mr. Pringles current brutal tactics left Neville and Hermione utterly shocked.

Each lash of his whip was followed by pained cries from the House-elves.

House-elves were peculiar creatures, resembling short humans with skinny frames, enormous bat-like ears, tennis ball-sized protruding eyes, and relatively long, flat noses.

They were unique among magical beings, as they could talk and interact with their surroundings.

Pop! Another lash echoed through the room, followed by the wails of the House-elves who had been struck.

Tell me quicklywhos behind this strike! Mr. Pringle roared.

However, there was no response.

All the House-elves watched their suffering comrades with sympathy but remained silent.

Frustrating! Mr. Pringle seemed to grow increasingly irritated, intensifying his strikes with the whip.

Neville and Hermione couldnt bear to witness the cruelty any longer.

Matthew had the presence of mind to guide his friends away from the door.

Matthew, this is just too cruel Hermiones eyes welled up with tears.

Thankfully, Matthew prevented her from rushing in to confront Mr. Pringle, as her emotions threatened to get the best of her.

However, they all knew this was an impossibility. House-elves were incapable of stealing; it was against their nature.

Matthew lightly patted Hermione on the shoulder. Lets go.

They had spent too long in the kitchen, and it wasnt safe, especially with Mr. Pringle mercilessly whipping the House-elves nearby.

The three cautiously retreated from the kitchen.

Fortunately, they werent discovered by Mr. Pringle.

They werent aware that entering the kitchen wasnt against school rules, yet the shock of what they had witnessed weighed heavily on their minds.

As they walked down the well-lit stone corridor, their expressions grew increasingly somber.

When they returned to the vicinity of the auditorium, Hermione finally broke her silence, tears still in her eyes. I cant believe they treat those poor House-elves that way They cook for us, carry our bags, clean the castle and yet they live in such hellish conditions

Wake up, Hermione, Neville chimed in, attempting to be rational. Theyre just House-elves they arent wizards

Hermiones anger flared up. So, just because they arent wizards, its acceptable to treat them like this? Even when dealing with pets, we should be humane Besides, we rely on House-elves for so much more than just pets

Neville attempted to explain, They might not even like a comfortable life you dont understand House-elves; they take pride in their hard work and find satisfaction in it. Providing them with a comfortable environment might actually upset them

Are you dense, Neville? Hermione snapped, her anger unabated. This is about basic decency! Even when dealing with pets, its unacceptable to treat them like this and considering how much we depend on House-elves, its even worse

They might not like a comfortable life, Neville repeated.

Matthew stepped in, trying to ease the tension. Lets go.

They had spent enough time in the kitchen, and it was no longer safe, especially with Mr. Pringles brutal treatment of the House-elves continuing nearby.