After years of passionate debate, the high wizard court — the Wizengamot — has reached a decision on the complicated civil rights struggle for house elves.
The landmark ruling calls for house elves to be compensated for their work, bringing an end to centuries of unpaid labor.
Hermione Granger, head litigator for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, said she was ecstatic about the ruling following her years of work on the issue, which began with her founding of the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, or S.P.E.W., during her time at Hogwarts.
“It’s so gratifying to finally see elves get the equality they deserve,” Granger said. “I’ll feel so much better next time I eat a delicious meal at The 459 prepared by a house elf.”
But the unique disposition of house elves were factored into the Wizengamot’s decision, Granger said.
“There is a provision in the ruling that states any house elf may continue to work for free if they so choose,” she said. “But I sincerely hope they will all take the pay they deserve.”
Hokey, a house elf present at the announcement, said he was hesitant to take any pay, but with encouragement from the family for whom he works has decided to be compensated.
“Hokey just loves working for his humans, sir,” he said. “But if paying Hokey will make them happy, it will make Hokey happy.”