Hermione Learns About House-Elves at Hogwarts

PAGES: 181-182

During the feast, Nearly Headless Nick tells Harry, Ron, and Hermione about Peeves' earlier trouble in the kitchens. Hermione is shocked to learn that Hogwarts employs over a hundred house-elves, who work without pay or rights. She refuses to eat any more, upset by the idea of "slave labor."