House Elves

House-elves are small humanoid creatures who inhabit large houses belonging to wealthy Wizarding families (CS3). They are "bound" to the family of the house, which means they do all manner of menial tasks for them until they die. House-elves are apparently very happy with this arrangement and consider it a matter of pride that they serve faithfully and do not betray their families.

The role or function of the house-elves is very important. They hear and see things, as Dobby said (GF26) and can use their powerful magic and these information for doing bad (Kreacher), neutral (Winky) or good (Dobby). Winky took her master, Barty Crouch Jr, away from the dark wizards and into the forest (GF9, GF35).

House-elves have a very powerful magic all their own, magic which requires none of the types of focusing tools (wands or words) that Wizard magic requires.

Credit: HP Lexicon