"Winky?"
Harry repeated the name, looking bewildered.
"The house-elf Crouch threw out at the World Cup." Hermione could not even be bothered to use an honorific, showing just how dissatisfied she was with Crouch's actions. "When I was going through the Daily Prophet for information today, I found that Sirius had mentioned how Crouch's house-elf proved that Barty Crouch Jr. was still alive. Honestly, I'm a little worried about Winky..."
"Why would you be worried—" Ron had not finished before Hermione cut him off.
"When I went to see her, I found that the poor house-elf had completely broken down."
Hermione deeply sympathized with Winky and felt she did not deserve this.
"Hadn't Crouch already driven her out?" Ron was even more confused.
"Winky still can't forget that man. Anyway, come with me first." Hermione led the two of them toward the kitchens beneath the Great Hall.
"Then why did you want to find Albert?" Ron had not forgotten that Hermione had initially wanted Albert's help.
"Dobby told me Albert is very popular among the house-elves. Maybe he can help solve Winky's problem."
Because of the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare, Hermione had become one of the least welcome people among the house-elves. Though they had not thrown her out of the kitchens, Hermione could feel the house-elves' disapproving stares.
"Albert's popular with house-elves?" Harry thought house-elves were warm toward everyone.
"Yes, very popular." Hermione nodded. "Albert is kind to house-elves. Every Christmas holiday, he gives them Christmas gifts, so many house-elves are willing to work for him."
"He gives house-elves Christmas gifts?"
Though Harry had done the same himself, he still felt Albert was somewhat... hypocritical.
"Albert has a cat, and sometimes house-elves help look after it..." Hermione continued, seemingly to herself. "I heard from Dobby that