Discussions on the Dryadalis Family center on the House Elf, and frequent any magical zoological society in the world. Where did they come from? When did they first appear? How is it they have become inextricably entwined within wizarding society, yet no one knows why? Their branch within the British Ministry's Regulation of Magical Sentient Creatures is small (Wizengamot Department Listings, 2017). But what must be kept in mind is that the British department is triple the size of the French, Belgian, German and Swiss equivalent offices combined (see: ICW Information, vol. 37, Part II, Departments of Magical Beasts).
Emphasizing this somewhat confusing point, the aforementioned nations do not address House Elves under any other branch (see: Popular Subjects of Study, Financial Edition, 1999). Even in Britain, the study is considered quixotic, bordering on the depraved. Opinions from other quarters on the very writing of this note will doubtless carry exceedingly negative reviews. Including the known lore is tantamount to an academic slap in the face, addressing a subject no one wishes to observe.
For this, I salute the author of these collections. As the great Bard wrote: "… cry 'Havoc!', and let slip the dogs of war!"
The common House Elf (Dryadalis domum) is a small creature, barely knee-high to a medium-sized man. Less than a span tall, they nonetheless are simultaneously considered weak and essential. Large eyes set in a small skull, surmounted by a pair of ears each half the cephalic region surface area, and spindly limbs ordain the creature's overall characteristics. Most have a very humble attitude, considering it better to be seen than heard, and better yet to have their actions the only evidence of their existence at all (Proper Training of Proper Servants, by Vainglorious Vindicta V). In wandless magical prowess, the D. dumum has no equal. Without wand or focus the diminutive species is capable of wide-scale magics on par with a team of experienced Battle Wizards, or even a Class XXXX monster (Unusual Defensive Measures, by Auditi Sorschen Childegrad). Despite this capacity, D. dumum possesses so many offsetting weaknesses that its danger classification remains at a single X value.
D. dumum strength is akin to the strengths of other members within the Dryadalis family like the Pixies (Dryadalis minimus), True Dryads (Dryadalis lignum), Naiads (Dryadalis naiadidae) and so on. Wandless magic is the major commonality of course, but the shared traits extend beyond into a form of perception that sees the subtle intricacies of magic. All D. dumum are able to manipulate existing magic of their own species specifications, if doing so is in the service or benefit to their master. Reports of individual D. dumum have surfaced regarding a certain disregard to non-interference, but none are confirmed.
As is known to most educated wizards, magic is assisted in its presence through the benefit of magical vegetation and certain magical creatures (Home Builders by Charlene Augusta III, 1879, and Mastering Power, by Magess Marjorette Grindelwald, 2005). D. dumum is one of these species, infusing the very terrain upon which it dwells with a portion of its power. Yet it cannot do so unbound: a so-called free elf is little more than a self-mobile container of unregulated energy. A powerful will may direct its actions, but without the insulating influence of a bond, the creature will evaporate. The best comparison was created by Sir Frederick Umblekirk, whom noted the similarity between a poorly cast Transfiguration and its resulting lifespan. Likewise an unbound D. dumum will at first have difficulty maintaining its sanity, then begin to suffer bouts of Accidental Magic. As these bouts will be by nature unpredictable and chaotic, D. dumum must be either bonded or put down. Unless either of these options is exercised, the creature will become a violent source of uncontrollable power, rampaging through barriers and shields like a wild force of nature (see Krakatoa: Theories and Facts by Majister Tori Naing, 1976).
The works of the French mind Plumeuse Friponne, legendary author of Réflexions nocturnes (Nocturnal Musings, 1792) and Printemps pour le petit peuple (Springtime for the Little Folk, 1833) is considered a seminal work on the nature of D. domum. Observations collected in this work collate from what little evidence exists across the globe, culminating in the one observation universally acknowledged by the wizarding community.
It states:
"La beauté de la petite magie populaire réside dans son élégance et sa simplicité."
Translated: "The beauty of little folk magic is its elegance and simplicity."
This encapsulates the benefit and bane of the situation. Their ability to perform near any task with acceptable proficiency is unparalleled. Wizards that bond with D. dumum often become fiercely protective, eradicating any evidence they can find.
Such service has made the association with D. dumum of great import in wizarding social strata. A family cannot be truly viewed as fully invested in 'The Game' unless they have a House Elf. Irony abounds, when it is the very nature of D. dumum to remain unseen and unobserved; it is left to the wizarding portion of their relationship to extoll their virtues. This has lead to minor altercations, where lesser families pretend or simulate having a House Elf either through clever tricks, a borrowed servant, or outright deception. This has resulted in close scrutiny by social elites, and the common German saying: Es riecht nach Elfen.
The origins of D. dumum are shrouded in history; no sources exist pinpointing their realm of origin, and only two have provenanced evidence regarding their introduction to Wizarding society.
Servitors of the Fae, written for the Albion court by an unnamed scholar postulates that D. dumum were created through an advanced binding ritual. This unidentified author exhibits an astounding depth of knowledge in the Darker Arts, prompting many scholars to believe the author to be no less than Morgana la Fe. In the subject matter, the assumed Morgana describes a conversation held with members of the Unseelie, where a massive prank is supposed to have been in the process of being played upon the Wizarding realm. The author then records a clever bit of trickery in which the Unseelie are manipulated into playing a 'game' of servitude. How this is exactly done is not recorded, and in all likelihood is a mere fabrication.
Consula angelcyning is a work created and referenced by Suetonious, the Roman court wizard for Emperor Hadrian in the mid first century (later removed from office for informal relations with the Empress). His work De Officiis Statuswas rife with such references, and consisted of two parts, the second of which covered governing bodies of the 'Caledonian' practices. Here Suetonious states: "… principes gentis populo servit minori laeta ac squalor."
Translated, this means: '…small folk serving the clan chieftains, delighting in their squalor.'
He goes on to extol the virtuous, hard-working individuals, and how the clans attributed their presence through the intervention of their Patron. This Patron incorporates qualities attributed to godly strengths, wisdom beyond the wisest of sages, and worshipped by druidic shaman. Sacrifices are made for knowledge, in accordance to standard practices witnessed in Nordic theology, and granted wisdom in return.
Both authors make frequent mention of the near miraculous capabilities of these small folk from keeping the dwellings and domiciles in full operating capacity to understanding desires without words. Where the unknown author talks of games and hidden agendas, Suetonious refers to Ancients that gifted servants to their most loyal followers. The references to old entities, donation or volunteering efforts, and powers far beyond mortal are common to both sources. Speculation theorizes either a powerful mage or group of mages were involved with the creation of D. dumum, but there are troubling inconsistencies. Even the superlative attributes often used in this era's commentaries rarely ascend to such heights used to describe the benefactors, indicating strong loyalties or an awe-inspiring propaganda system.
Moving on from the origins mystery, the biology of D. dumum must be observed, if only in brief. As the physical appearance is given earlier in this piece, there remains only a physiological point to be examined: magic.
D. dumum retain an unstable relationship with magic. In a range of capability, with one side being muggle and the other a full Drakon, the D. dumum would fall within the range of a mid-grade wizard and a small Norwegian Ridgeback (Draco monstrusus). The latent power within this creature is in a constant state of flux, varying between the lowest and highest points possible in the context of its potential. If left alone, such fluctuating power will create an unstable thaumic field. Any living material exposed to this field will undergo random changes, akin to the Accidental Magic of young wizards, but with much greater consequences (Studies of the Changes in Young, by Percal et al, 1560).
Such instability may only be calmed through a harmonic integration with a stabilized thaumic platform, in most cases a wizard. Larger dwellings frequented by D. dumum, or structures occupied by powerful wizards may also suffice as a substitute, and give the additional unique abilities to the D. dumum associated with such a place. The primary example is Hogwarts, which utilizes over a hundred D. dumum, and whose consummate skill is enhanced with a frightening level of intelligence. Wizarding homes across the civilized world will send their own house elves to Hogwarts to apprentice themselves under the resident's tutelage.
As mentioned before, this is also the bane of D. dumum. Without a wizard or strong domicile connection, the lifespan may be counted within months, if the individual is strong-willed. Under the influence of a sentient individual, D. dumum is incapable of performing harmful acts of its own volition; bonds with structures are even more limiting, and related solely to the upkeep of the structure itself (The Bonds and Ties of the Little Folk, by Lord Grayson, 1921).
Speculative studies could be considered, ranging from the symbiotic nature between wizard/D. dumum bonds to the courtesy demonstrated by nearly all Dryadalis to the D. dumum. Lack of time and space limit this exchange for another note, and will be investigated, should the community evince sufficient interest.
Respectfully,
Arch-Mage Charles Levinhand, Scrivner de'Sabiduría, Scholar Emeritus of Bullford University, and Superior-Wit to All that Ask
