Lydia grabbed one of the laundry paddles that Tinka had pointed out. Then she stepped up to one of the large tubs. She stuck the paddle down in the hot, soapy water and began to stir up the clothes. She let out an involuntary giggle. This was actually pretty fun. She wondered if this was how muggles used to wash their clothes too before electricity and washing machines were invented.

Lydia watched Tinka play with the bubbles. The house elf was just too cute. She almost couldn't stand it. Lydia scooped up some big bubbles with her paddle and then she blew them off into the air.

"Tinka, how long have you worked at Hogwarts?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Did you always want to work here?"