What Happened to Kreacher After Harry Potter?
After the climactic battles of the Harry Potter series, especially in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, there is a poignant epilogue set 19 years later. This part of the narrative gives us a glimpse into the life of Kreacher, revealing that he might have continued to serve Harry and his family at 12 Grimmauld Place. Harry inherits the house, and Kreacher, with his immense knowledge and loyalty, likely stays on, helping with the household tasks and serving the family members who now reside there.
Could Harry Have Acquired a New Elf?
The question naturally arises as to whether Harry acquired a new house-elf. However, there is no indication in the epilogue or in any subsequent material that Harry ever took on another elf in his household. Kreacher remains the only one associated with Harry, a testament to the bond forged between them through mutual respect and understanding.
It is also important to consider Kreacher's history and background. Prior to the series, Kreacher served at Hogwarts and later under Harry before potentially dying. His age was a significant factor, as he was described as being nearly ancient when he last appeared in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. JK Rowling herself stated that Kreacher died at the age of 666, a detail that adds to the mystique and tragic tone of his character.
The Challenges of Acquiring a New Elf
Harry likely did not have the means or inclination to acquire a new house-elf. In the wizarding world, house-elves are typically found in impressive homes like mansions or manors. Harry's living situation in a modest shack, known as 4 Privet Drive, precludes the easy acquisition of a house-elf. Furthermore, Hermione's attitude towards the mistreatment and imprisonment of elves would likely prevent Harry from owning another one, even if he wanted to.
Considering Kreacher's loyalty and pride, he likely returned to Hogwarts after the Second Wizarding War to continue his duties in the kitchen. His significant contribution during the Battle of Hogwarts, where he led the elf staff in challenging the Death Eaters, reinforced his important role and status. It’s plausible that he stayed at Hogwarts as a lifelong servant, continuing to aid the house-elves in the kitchen environment.
The Future of Kreacher with Harry
After the Battle of Hogwarts, Harry wondered if Kreacher, who had played a crucial role in the final moments of the battle, would bring him a sandwich. This implies that Kreacher survived the battle and would continue to serve Harry and his family. However, Harry likely wouldn't abuse his ownership of Kreacher and would probably prefer that the old elf remained a part of the family but not in a servile capacity.
Harry's attitude towards the idea of having a magical servant was not ideal, but he couldn’t bear the thought of freeing Kreacher, who couldn’t bear the prospect of losing his servitude. As such, Harry likely kept Kreacher around, allowing him to stay at Hogwarts where he could continue his duties amongst his peers, rather than at 12 Grimmauld Place where he would be alone.
Conclusion
Kreacher, with his long history and enduring loyalty, plays a significant role in the epilogue and beyond. Whether he stayed at Hogwarts or at 12 Grimmauld Place, his position as a house-elf remained a testament to the bond between him and Harry. The wizarding world, with its complex relationships and societal norms, ensures that even minor characters like Kreacher have a lasting impact on the narrative.