Sprinkles had always done her best to serve her wizard family. Her mother, her grandmother, and many generations before had served this same family; a very long time as house elves had longer life spans than wizards. She had seen Master's birth (though she had been very young at the time) and had delivered Master's son. Master's son who was at Hogwarts. Master and Master's son were very alike, both slightly pale with the same malicious green eyes. The two even had the same confident gait.
Master had always treated Sprinkles well, thought the elf from her small bed. It was true: he had been a harsh master, but he had been fair. Most importantly, he demanded complete, utter loyalty. And I was not a loyal elf! Sprinkles thought mournfully. No! I must be a good elf for Hogwarts! Sprinkles must not cry! she told herself silently, holding back a huge sob rising from her throat. I must show Master that I am a good elf! Then master will want me back! she thought desperately. But Master is in Azkaban... and it is all Sprinkles fault!
Nonetheless, Sprinkles rose out of bed and placed a new white tea towel about her, ready to fix the beds in the Slytherin dormitory. Sprinkles stood by a stack of clean Slytherin bed sheets. With a SNAP! both she and the bed sheets had disappeared.
A second later Winky came sprinting into the room. "Wait Sprinkles! Not now!" But the other elf was nowhere to be seen.
* * *
Sprinkles knew all of Master's secrets. She knew that Master was not a good wizard according to the standards of the Ministry of Magic, but what did they know? No, Master is a good wizard, Sprinkles often told herself.
She knew that Master had somehow been involved with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, that he had a very lowly opinion of Muggles and Muggle-Born wizards, and that Master even knew the Dark Arts. That is why Master is not a good wizard for the Ministry of Magic. But Master is still a good wizard!
She also knew that Master was from an old wizarding family and had inherited many items whose purposes were for the Dark Arts. The doorbell rang. "Get it Sprinkles," said the Mistress from the kitchen. Obediently, Sprinkles opened the door. Outside stood a group of men in dark robes and badges that read, "The Ministry of Magic."
"We need to talk to you elf," said the man closest to the front.
* * *
Sprinkles snapped into the Slytherin dormitory. Heads turned as she suddenly appeared included the head of a certain blond haired boy, with emerald eyes. "Sprinkles..." he began. Stunned, Sprinkles disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared.
Sprinkles ran to her little bed where she lay crying for what seemed like an eternity. "I is not a good house elf! I is seen!" she sobbed. "Master is not wanting Sprinkles back! Sprinkles is a failure! Sprinkles is a disgrace to all house elfs!"
"No, you is not, Sprinkles. 'Tis my fault," said Winky from her side. "Winky forgot to tell you not to go today. Winky is very sorry."
"No! I is a bad elf! I is a bad elf for Master and Hogwarts!' Sprinkles cried.
" 'Tis okay, 'tis okay. You is a good house elf," Winky comforted. "Stop crying... stop crying..."