The Last Known Days of Kreacher the House-Elf

In the enchanted world of Harry Potter, Kreacher the house-elf is a character shrouded in mystery. While the last scene in the seventh book The Deathly Hallows leaves much to the imagination, it's fascinating to explore the possible destinies of this ancient, proud, and often sad figure.

What Happens to Kreacher at the End?

The Harry Potter series wraps up with a labyrinth of battles and sacrifices. For Kreacher, the last scene at the Battle of Hogwarts marks the end of an era—he leads the other house-elves against the Death Eaters, a testament to his valor and loyalty. However, the fate that awaits him after the war remains uncertain.

Continuation or End?

Kreacher's first appearance in the series is in The Order of the Phoenix, where he is depicted as an old, worn-out servant of the Black family. By the time of the final book, J.K. Rowling has already stated that Kreacher died at the age of 666. This information alone suggests a grim outcome for Kreacher, but it leaves questions about the significance of his final act and the immediate aftermath.

Possibility of Survival?

When Harry, in his post--war contemplation, wonders if Kreacher would bring him a sandwich, it's a poignant moment that hints at Kreacher's potential survival. Despite the horrors of the war, Kreacher's loyalty is unbroken. Even if he managed to survive, his survival would come at a great cost. The idea of Harry taking Kreacher back to Grimmauld Place is not far fetched, as it's the home of his deceased relative Sirius Black and Kreacher's previous beloved masters. However, living there could be lonely and emotionally taxing.

Alternative Destinations

Considering the mansion-like Hogwarts or Harry's modest home with Ginny (if they choose not to live at Grimmauld Place), these locations offer different emotional and practical landscapes. Hermione's staunch views on the treatment and imprisonment of house-elves would likely weigh heavily on Harry's decision. Even if Harry is the new master, he wouldn't want to abuse Kreacher's servitude. The possibility of losing this prideful, ancient house-elf could be more painful than living without him.

Aftermath and Final Moments

Given Kreacher's status and the era in which he lived, it's probable that he would continue to serve Harry and his family, albeit with a more independent role. Kreacher's pride might make him prefer to continue in the kitchen at Hogwarts, where he can serve his new masters without feeling entirely subjugated. His loyalty to Harry, Sirius, and Walburga Black would drive him to stay close to Hogwarts, the place where he served his previous masters.

Concluding Thoughts

The Harry Potter series leaves much to the imagination, but the character of Kreacher is filled with depth and complexity. His final days and the impact of his surviving the war are a testament to the rich storytelling that J.K. Rowling has crafted. Whether Kreacher remains with Harry, returns to his duties at Hogwarts, or passes away, his legacy in the wizarding world remains an enduring symbol of loyalty and sacrifice.