most people do desire to be treated like people—at the very least as equals, and with dignity and respect
Since Lesath is an exception (at least when treated by Harry), that should mean that Hermione’s objection doesn’t apply in this case, and Harry should realise as much.
I originally had written that below, but actually I disagree. Lesath doesn’t abase himself because he enjoys it! He does so because that’s how you get Dark Lords to do what you want. It’s reasonable to assume that he’d prefer being treated as an equal—he just has higher priorities than trying to make that happen.
Since Lesath is an exception (at least when treated by Harry), that should mean that Hermione’s objection doesn’t apply in this case, and Harry should realise as much.
I originally had written that below, but actually I disagree. Lesath doesn’t abase himself because he enjoys it! He does so because that’s how you get Dark Lords to do what you want. It’s reasonable to assume that he’d prefer being treated as an equal—he just has higher priorities than trying to make that happen.
I don’t get that from Lesath; he seems like somebody who’s just a natural minion. But maybe he’s just that good at appearing to be a natural minion!