Chapter 164: 'Kitchen”

Chapter 164: “Kitchen”

Soon, Professor Slughorn began to attend to other students, leaving Matthew and his friends to enjoy their somewhat rustic yet delicious breakfast.

Are there many House-elves at Hogwarts? Hermione inquired softly between bites.

Her impression of House-elves was quite peculiar, considering that she had only encountered the creature in Professor Bagshots History of Magic class.

Professor Bagshot, being quite elderly, required the assistance of several House-elves every time she attended class.

This was practically the only opportunity for students to interact with these creatures at Hogwarts.

Yes, there are almost a hundred of them, Matthew replied. Theyre responsible for all the daily chores around the castle otherwise, Mr. Pringle couldnt handle it all by himself!

Wow, so do they just stay in the kitchen all the time? Hermione asked in surprise. I rarely see these creatures anywhere else in the castle

Oh, they rarely venture outside the kitchen during the day, Neville added. They come out at night for cleaning or to tend to the fires and such. Youve probably never seen them, right? The hallmark of a good House-elf is that you dont even know they exist.

People not knowing they exist, whats wrong with that? Hermione furrowed her brow, clearly disagreeing with Nevilles perspective.

Yes, thats their duty, Neville replied matter-of-factly. For House-elves, their highest privilege is to obey their masters orders and serve them across generations, ensuring their masters never experience the slightest discomfort. So

This sounds a bit like slavery, Hermione suddenly interjected, her expression filled with disgust.

Thats one way to put it Neville responded casually.

But do they get paid? Hermione continued. Do they get holidays? Sick leave, allowances, any of that?

Neville chuckled. Holidays why would House-elves need holidays? They dont require sick leave or allowances They dont even need a salary

What? They dont even get paid? Hermione exclaimed incredulously.

Thats why theyre on strike! She continued, now agitated. Theyre unhappy with their current treatment so theyre on strike! Its just like the textile workers in Silesia in 1842 or the silk weavers in Lyon in 1831

Neville shook his head quickly. This is just an exception. In my memory, House-elves have always taken pride in their work and are ashamed to be free. Striking is unheard of for them.

Or, how about we quietly visit the kitchen? Hermione suddenly suggested. Right after breakfast?

This Neville hesitated for a moment. I dont know where the kitchen is

We can ask someone, maybe Professor Slughorn he should know! Hermione suggested, her tone serious.

But this is just a portrait Hermione looked perplexed.

Matthew approached it slowly, extending his index finger to gently scratch a large green pear in the picture.

The image wriggled, chuckled, and suddenly transformed into a large, green doorknob.

Amazing! Neville couldnt help but exclaim.

Matthew grasped the knob and opened the door, waving for his companions to follow.

Passing through the door, they found themselves in a room almost the size of a classroom.

On the stone walls, numerous gleaming copper pots and iron basins hung, and there was a large brick fireplace on the opposite side.

This was undoubtedly the Hogwarts kitchen.

Except, there was no one there. No ghosts, no wizards, and no House-elves.

Where are the House-elves? Hermione whispered.

Im not sure, Matthew admitted honestly. I only know that this is the kitchen

Where did you hear about this? Neville pointed towards the iron gate in front of them. I hear something from inside. Lets go and check

The three of them quickly approached the gate.

From behind the iron gate came a cacophony of noises.

There were other creatures moaning, seemingly in great pain.

PPplease.

The door wasnt locked; it was merely concealed.

Peering through the crack of the door, they could clearly see the scene inside.

Mr. Pringle, the castles caretaker, held a long, thick leather whip menacingly. He showed no mercy as he lashed a group of small beings huddled on the floor with the whip