Chapter 534: You’re Going the Wrong Way
Firenze's words left Hermione visibly shaken. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself at a loss for the first time.
"So, do you understand now?" Kyle asked, turning to her. "In the eyes of the Centaurs, us wearing clothes is a form of constant self-punishment—the harshest kind. Isn't that exactly how you view House-elves and their work?"
"No, it's not the same," Hermione said quickly, shaking her head as if trying to dismiss the comparison. "Centaurs have nothing to do with us, and their dislike for wearing clothes is just part of their nature, right? But House-elves are one of us. They live and work at the school."
"It's no different," Kyle said firmly. "You just don't want to admit it. I've worked with Centaurs on an explorer squad in Romania. They didn't change their ways just because their teammates were wizards, and they didn't try to force their ideas onto others either. The two groups got along perfectly well by respecting each other's choices."
"No... I don't think it's the same..." Hermione stammered, but she was struggling to refute his point.
She suddenly found herself wishing Harry and Ron were there. At least they might try to back her up... though on second thought, Ron had mocked her badge too, so even their presence probably wouldn't help much.
"What are yeh all talkin' about?" Hagrid interrupted, looking utterly baffled.
Although he'd been involved from the start—going so far as to call Firenze for them—he hadn't grasped a word of the argument. Centaurs, clothes, House-elves... he understood each concept on its own but had no idea how they were connected.
"It's like this..." Cho stepped forward and began explaining the situation to Hagrid in broad strokes.
Meanwhile, Kyle continued addressing Hermione, who stood still, a mix of frustration and introspection on her face.
"There's something else you need to understand, Hermione," Kyle said. "You probably don't realize it yet, but barging into the kitchen to tell House-elves they should demand wages is a lot like a Centaur storming into a castle and demanding everyone take off their clothes."