House-elf

House-elf

Domestic beings that were magically bound to their designated master or mistress, house-elves were usually found in the service of old wizarding families, such as Draco Malfoy's family, and were not paid. House-elves also worked in the Hogwarts kitchens, much to the shock of Hermione, who fought for house-elves' rights when she found out.

Willed to be absolutely obedient to every word and command, a house-elf's only escape would be freedom via the gift of clothes by their master. Dobby, the house-elf belonging to the Malfoys, demonstrated that, in some circumstances, a house-elf could resist the bond to their master, but it would cause them great physical and emotional pain.