That's reassuring, I suppose. I do feel for the boy; he has not had a happy upbringing.

Well then, Sirius, as long as Minerva agrees, I think you may be right that our better hope is to keep the elf's secret and to hope that he does not make another murderous attack on the boy. I wonder if there is any way to lure the elf into a trap so he could be questioned.

Or. Hermione, I should have asked before: were you aware of this elf while you were at Buckingham? Have you spoken with it before? I wonder if we could think of a safe way for you to question it whilst you are in the Palace over the holidays.

At the very least, we need to consider whether you and Mr Marvolo will be safe there during Christmas if that elf is on the loose.