The Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.) is a society started by Hermione Granger during her fourth year at Hogwarts. The short term aims of the society are to secure house-elves fair wages and working conditions, and the long term aims include changing the law about non-wand-use and getting an elf into the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.
From the Story[]
Discovered in Book 4, Chapter 14, The Unforgivable Curses, Moment 2 A Letter From Sirius[]
"The society is started by Hermione as a way of protesting against the unfair treatment she believes house-elves receive. The society costs two Sickles to join, which also buys the member a badge with S.P.E.W inscribed on it. Hermione originally wanted to put Stop the Outrageous Abuse of Our Fellow Magical Creatures and Campaign for a Change in Their Legal Status, but it wouldn't fit on the badges. The proceeds of the membership fee will go towards Hermione's planned leaflet campaign. Hermione appoints Ron treasurer of S.P.E.W and makes Harry the society secretary."
Discovered in Book 4, Chapter 15, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang[]
"Hermione persuades some of her fellow students to buy S.P.E.W badges for two Sickles. Many of the members of the society only join to keep Hermione quiet - a few seem mildly interested in what the society stands for but are reluctant to take a more active role in campaigning. Many students see the whole thing as a joke."
Discovered in Book 4, Chapter 19, The Hungarian Horntail[]
"The list of members for S.P.E.W. is very short. Hermione considers getting some of the Hogsmeade villagers involved in the society."