CHAPTER 6- The Outcome and Two Prefects
Thank Merlin! Harry was cleared of the charges. I won't lie, I was slightly concerned. And from what I heard from Arthur, it wasn't entirely unfounded. Apparently Harry was tried by the full Wizengamot. Fudge is truly out to get him. Honestly, Fudge is doing his best to make Harry out to be some kind of criminal.
On a different note, it seems as though Ron and Hermione were made prefects for Gryffindor. I'm surprised Dumbledore didn't make Harry a prefect. He did seem a bit put out about it, but he tried not to show it. James was never made a prefect, so I have to say that this is one more instance where Harry is quite like James.
There was a small dinner party to celebrate the two prefects. Hermione was telling me about her campaign for elf rights called SPEW. She asked me to join. Try though I might, I couldn't make her see that with the exception of a limited few, most house-elves were happy to serve wizard families.
"It's the same nonsense as werewolf segregation…" said Hermione.
"But it really isn't Hermione; the majority of house-elves don't want their freedom. They are happy to be serving a wizard family."
"That is only because they have been forced into believing that for so long that they are totally brainwashed. It is ingrained into them."
"You will be hard-pressed to find a house-elf who would want their freedom, Hermione."
"Dobby was very happy to have his freedom."
"Yes, but from what I heard, he was serving the Malfoy family, so I am not surprised he would choose freedom." said Remus. "I'm sorry Hermione, but I think SPEW is doing house-elves a great disservice."
"I figured you would understand what I am trying to do." Hermione said petulantly.
"I do; I just don't agree." said Remus.
Exasperating though the debate was, I cannot help but admire the strength of Hermione's convictions and the passion in which she argues her beliefs. I respect her for ideals and beliefs, no matter how far-fetched they may seem.
I said it before, but I'll say it again- she is the smartest witch of her age.
The next day we had to see the kids off to King's Cross station, so they could catch the Hogwarts Express. Luckily everything went smoothly for the most part. The kids made it onto the train in time.