Becoming Dobby: A Free Elf #MNBHP

Harry Potter freed Dobby!” said the elf shrilly, gazing up at Harry, moonlight from the nearest window reflected in his orb-like eyes. “Harry Potter set Dobby free!”

CoS

Throughout Harry’s second year, Dobby is on a mission to prevent the Dark Lord from harming Harry, even if it means harming Harry himself or displeasing Harry. Why does Dobby do this? Harry is not a house-elf. Dobby is not friends with Harry (yet). For all Dobby knows, Harry could be just as cruel to house-elves as every other wizard. Dobby helps Harry because he has heard of Harry’s greatness. In Harry, Dobby has hope of a better future as a slave. However, he gets so much more because, as Dobby says, “Dobby has heard of your greatness, sir, but of your goodness, Dobby never knew.”

Dobby recognized a source of hope for his species. A glimmer of a better life without Voldemort. He did all he did for Harry, punishing himself gravely along the way, not expecting freedom. Not even asking Harry for anything in return, but what he got was beyond the wildest imagination of even the quirkiest house-elf—freedom, fair wages, and the friendship of Harry Potter.

CHALLENGE:

Dobby’s story makes me wonder: What would I—what would you be willing to do for no expected return simply because we believe in someone? Dobby sets aside his well-being, he overcomes the bonds of his enslavement, he risks everything at first for the hope of Harry and then for the love of Harry. Even dying to save his friend.

Would you do for someone what Dobby did for Harry? Even if you received nothing in return? Share your answer with us using #MNBHP.

Next Week: Becoming Harry Potter: Bad Blooded