Dobby

Dobby Collection

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Dobby is looking round a doorway in 4 Privet Drive. He is using magic and snapping his fingers which causes a spark.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

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and the Chamber of Secrets

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Set Dobby free with this Portrait Maker unlockable!

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Homepage Hero Mobile Generic Free Assets Portrait Maker Unlockable Item Dobby-s Sock

Every time Dobby reminded us of Cancer energy

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Dobby is standing in a doorway at Privet Drive. He is snapping his fingers while sparks fly from them.

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In Harry Potter’s world, there’s Divination, Astronomy and prophecies – all used to make sense of the mysteries of the universe and the great beyond. But what about astrology? We know Professor Trelawney did touch upon it, but do any of our favourite characters happen to display personality traits that are unique to their star sign?

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Well, we thought it would be fun to find out! As it is Cancer season, we’re looking at Harry’s number one fan, Dobby. Of course, any similarities may be a total coincidence. We’ll leave that up to you to decide. Why not share this with your Cancerian friends and see what they think?

## Loyal
Loyalty is a trait closely tied to the Cancer star sign. If you want a friend that you know will stick by you no matter what (even when you might not *technically* be right) then you can’t go wrong with this water sign. They are the epitome of ride or die and we think that there is one particular [house-elf](/fact-file/creatures/house-elf) who shares this trait. 

In fact, if you were to look up the definition of loyalty, you would find a picture of [Dobby](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/dobby) staring back at you. He was devoted to Harry before he even met him! And that’s just one example of this house-elf’s dependability – there are so many we could choose from. His loyalty to [Dumbledore](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/albus-dumbledore) (he staunchly refused to call him a barmy old codger despite having permission from the man himself), his loyalty to Hogwarts and (possibly one of our favourite examples) his loyalty to fellow house-elf Winky. He got her a new home, job and stood by her even when she pushed him away. Dobby was a rock. 

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Dobby is in Harry's bedroom at 4 Privet Drive. He is smiling at Harry.

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## Caregiver 
Out of all the star signs, Cancerians are known for being the providers and nurturers of the zodiac. They’re the friend that will always bring you hot soup when you’re feeling under the weather, the one you can call at three in the morning for a chat and the only person you know who can keep that house plant alive. Nobody cares as fiercely as they do.

We think this is another personality trait that Dobby exemplified – even if his actions were often somewhat misguided. He *always* wanted to ensure that [Harry](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/harry-potter) was alive, safe and preferably wearing an excellent pair of homemade socks. So what if some of his more *enthusiastic* attempts at looking after Harry went unappreciated (in all fairness Harry really could have done without that rogue [Bludger](/fact-file/objects/bludger)). Dobby’s heart was in the right place, and he was one of the most caring characters in the wizarding world. 


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## Homebody
Fancy a raucous night out on the town? Well, we wouldn’t recommend asking your Cancerian friends. They are the people most likely to be celebrating rather than commiserating when plans get cancelled at the last minute. In fact, they are the consummate homebodies with a real talent for turning their personal space into an oasis with perfect Hygge vibes.

Even after Dobby became a free elf, he was always doing his utmost to make things homely – whether that was putting up Christmas decorations in the [Room of Requirement](/fact-file/locations/the-room-of-requirement) (with a stunning Harry theme), knitting pairs of odd socks, or even painting portraits that were, quite frankly, masterpieces. Dobby always had a wholesome activity on the go… just like his fellow Cancerians.

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## Unafraid to take action
Cancer is the cardinal water sign. Like the other cardinal signs in the zodiac, this means that they dream big but crucially they get things done with their decisive actions. But how does this apply to our favourite house-elf? We’ll happily tell you.

Dobby was not afraid to come up with a grand scheme or two – *Chamber of Secrets* was littered with Dobby’s big plans to keep Harry safe. Whether that was using a Hover Charm to drop a mountain of cream and sugared violets in the Dursleys’ living room or sealing off [platform nine and three-quarters](/fact-file/locations/platform-nine-and-three-quarters) so Harry and Ron missed the [Hogwarts Express](/fact-file/magical-miscellany/hogwarts-express), this was one house-elf that could think of an idea faster than a speeding Firebolt… Whether they were all good ideas, well, nobody’s perfect.

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Dobby is holding a sock in his hand and looking at it.

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## Intense
Dobby? Intense? The jovial house-elf with an unrivalled enthusiasm for socks? Yep, that’s the one. This was a being who felt things deeply – a personality quirk you might have noticed amongst your other Cancerian friends, thanks to their strong connection to their emotions. On occasion that intensity can be overwhelming, but it mainly stems from a place of care. 

Dobby’s feelings towards those he loved were powerful and his emotional depth certainly exceeded that of a teaspoon. He bravely looked danger in the eye if it meant he could protect his friends – sneaking away from his masters to warn Harry of danger despite the threat of painful punishment, shielding Harry from the wrath of [Lucius Malfoy](/fact-file/characters-and-pets/lucius-malfoy) when Dobby was freed, rescuing his friends from the horrors of [Malfoy Manor](/fact-file/locations/malfoy-manor)… we could go on and on.

Ultimately, Dobby loved with a ferocity that could barely be rivalled and the intensity of his feelings meant that he was even willing to lay down his life for those he loved. Without that passion? Well, we can’t say for certain, but Harry, Ron and Hermione’s story could have looked very different indeed. 


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Dobby is standing in Malfoy Manor with his arm outstretched. He is using magic, snapping his fingers which has created sparks.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

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and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

10 of our favourite Dobby moments

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## When Dobby dropped that pudding

Dobby certainly made quite the first impression. Within minutes of meeting Harry, he had turned his life into absolute chaos… all in a bid to try and keep Harry safe (according to Dobby that is). But there was something particularly hilarious about how one simple Hover Charm ruined Vernon Dursley’s business deal, obliterated Aunt Petunia’s pièce de resistance and left Harry covered in pudding and unable to explain himself… 


Cream splattered the windows and walls as the dish shattered. With a crack like a whip, Dobby vanished.

There were screams from the dining room and Uncle Vernon burst into the kitchen to find Harry, rigid with shock, covered from head to foot in Aunt Petunia’s pudding.

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## When Dobby only wanted Harry to go home grievously injured...

Dobby would not stop trying to save Harry’s life. Whether he was trying to frame Harry for using underage magic (that poor dessert), closing the barrier at King’s Cross or making a Bludger go after Harry repeatedly – he was one determined house-elf. Though one particularly memorable moment is the way he tried to rationalise and justify his actions. He didn’t want to kill Harry… he just wanted to maim him (for his protection of course).


‘Not kill you, sir, never kill you!’ said Dobby, shocked. ‘Dobby wants to save Harry Potter’s life! Better sent home, grievously injured, than remain here, sir! Dobby only wanted Harry Potter hurt enough to be sent home!’ 

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## When Dobby was finally free

We can only dream of how awful it would be to have the Malfoys for masters. Their cruelty, snobbery, bigotry and insecurity made them a pretty foul family. They also treated Dobby abysmally. Our hearts broke every time we witnessed or heard about their brutality towards such a lovely and wonderful character. So, the moment that Dobby realised he was free of his toxic owners was definitely one of our favourite moments. Dobby was now a free elf... and there was nothing Lucius Malfoy could do about it.


He crashed down the stairs, three at a time, landing in a crumpled heap on the landing below. He got up, his face livid, and pulled out his wand, but Dobby raised a long threatening finger. 

‘You shall go now,’ he said fiercely, pointing down at Mr Malfoy. ‘You shall not touch Harry Potter. You shall go now.’

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## When Dobby fully embraced his new style

In *Goblet of Fire*, a whole new world of fashion opportunities opened up for Dobby. No longer did he have to wear old tea towels, pillowcases and rags – but whatever his heart desired. Dobby certainly embraced this and became quite the fashionista. He wore what he liked and didn’t care that his outfits were considered eccentric to say the least. But there was one rule he was fond of: that a pair of socks should never match. 


When Dobby had worked for the Malfoys, he had always worn the same filthy old pillowcase. Now, however, he was wearing the strangest assortment of garments Harry had ever seen; he had made an even worse job of dressing himself than the wizards at the World Cup. He was wearing a tea-cosy for a hat, on which he had pinned a number of bright badges; a tie patterned with horseshoes over a bare chest, a pair of what looked like children’s football shorts, and odd socks. One of these, Harry saw, was the black one he had removed from his own foot and tricked Mr Malfoy into giving Dobby, thereby setting Dobby free. The other was covered in pink and orange stripes. 

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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## When we found out Dobby was finally being paid for his work

Life isn’t always easy for free house-elves. The majority of the wizarding world don’t want to pay for the services of an elf when they can get it for nothing. So, while it was excellent that Dobby no longer had to answer to anyone – he was still in a tricky spot. Therefore, we were so happy to see him pop up again at Hogwarts. Not only was he back near his dear Harry, but he also didn’t have to compromise on his desire to get paid for his work. 


‘Dobby has travelled the country for two whole years, sir, trying to find work!’ Dobby squeaked. ‘But Dobby hasn’t found work, sir, because Dobby wants paying now!’

The house-elves all around the kitchen, who had been listening and watching with interest, all looked away at these words, as though Dobby had said something rude and embarrassing. 

Hermione, however, said, ‘Good for you, Dobby!’ 

‘Thank you, miss!’ said Dobby, grinning toothily at her. ‘But most wizards doesn’t want a house-elf who wants paying, miss. “That’s not the point of a house-elf,” they says, and they slammed the door in Dobby’s face! Dobby likes work, but he wants to wear clothes and he wants to be paid, Harry Potter ... Dobby likes being free!’ 

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## When Dobby couldn’t let Harry lose his ‘Wheezy’

This was one incident where it truly was Dobby to the rescue. Even though Harry had managed to figure out that the second task of the Triwizard Tournament took place in the lake… he hadn’t sorted out how he was going to hold his breath for an entire hour. This is where Dobby got his moment to shine. He brought Harry the Gillyweed that would let him breathe underwater and find his precious Wheezy.


‘Your Wheezy, sir, your Wheezy – Wheezy who is giving Dobby his jumper!’

Dobby plucked at the shrunken maroon sweater he was now wearing over his shorts.
‘What?’ Harry gasped. ‘They’ve got ... they’ve got Ron?’

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## When we discovered where all Hermione’s hats went…

Hermione was on a mission to free all the house-elves – whether they liked it or not. And as they ended up refusing to clean the Gryffindor common room (because of all the hidden hats), Dobby found himself with a brand-new wardrobe at his fingertips – lucky him! We particularly enjoyed how he decided that one hat didn’t quite have the desired effect he was after. What he needed to look really cool was a tower of hats, topped with a hooting Hedwig…we’re just glad that someone appreciated Hermione’s knitting.


Dobby the house-elf was standing beside the table on which Hermione had left half a dozen of her knitted hats. His large, pointed ears were now sticking out from beneath what looked like all the hats Hermione had ever knitted; he was wearing one on top of the other, so that his head seemed elongated by two or three feet, and on the very topmost bobble sat Hedwig, hooting serenely and obviously cured. 

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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## When Dobby wanted everyone to have a very ‘Harry’ Christmas

Harry never seemed to be far from Dobby’s thoughts – as demonstrated by his choice of Christmas decorations. Though Harry may not have appreciated them, we think his choice of baubles was inspired – who wouldn’t want to see their own face plastered around the Room of Requirement? It might not have been Harry’s cup of tea, but you have to give Dobby points for his incredible commitment and flair. We would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when Harry walked into that Christmassy chaos...


Harry arrived early in the Room of Requirement for the last DA meeting before the holidays and was very glad he had, because when the torches burst into flame he saw that Dobby had taken it upon himself to decorate the place for Christmas. He could tell the elf had done it, because nobody else would have strung a hundred golden baubles from the ceiling, each showing a picture of Harry’s face and bearing the legend: HAVE A VERY HARRY CHRISTMAS! 

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## When Dobby gave Harry a unique present…

Dobby was responsible for giving Harry some… interesting gifts over the years. But this one has to top them all. We couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Dobby painstakingly trying to capture Harry’s likeness – only for it to be compared to a 'gibbon that had been in a fight'...


‘What’s that supposed to be, anyway?’ asked Fred, squinting at Dobby’s painting. ‘Looks like a gibbon with two black eyes.’ 

‘It’s Harry!’ said George, pointing at the back of the picture, ‘says so on the back!’ 

‘Good likeness,’ said Fred, grinning. 


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## When Dobby saved his friends at Malfoy Manor

We may joke about Dobby’s endless admiration of Harry, but when it came down to it, Dobby was the most loyal friend you could ask for. His love for Harry never wavered and this was most evident when he came to rescue Harry and his friends from Malfoy Manor. Dobby must have been so terrified to go back to the place and the people that had terrorised him for so many years. But this brave house-elf stood strong, returned, and saved them all. While we all know the tragic ending to this chapter, we want to remember the moment that Dobby stood up to his former masters and proved once and for all that he really was a free elf. 


‘Dobby has no master!’ squealed the elf. ‘Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!’ 

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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*Do you agree with our favourite Dobby moments? Or do you have a favourite that hasn’t been mentioned?*

Dobby's guide to fashion

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## More is always more
Some people may believe that to be considered chic a ‘less is more’ approach is the best way forward – but that was never Dobby’s fashion philosophy. He firmly believed that more was more when it came to putting together an outfit. Why wear one hat when you can wear a tower of hats instead? That’s what Dobby did. He ended up wearing all the hats Hermione had knitted to free the other house-elves at once. And to add just a bit more pizazz to this already jazzy outfit, he even had a hooting Hedwig perched on top.  There’s no doubt that he would have certainly stood out in a crowd. There’s nothing wrong with that – sometimes it’s fun to have that extra bit of wow factor.

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## Never underestimate the power of a sock
When you were a kid there seemed to be nothing worse than receiving a pair of socks for your birthday. Socks are boring, right? Wrong! As Dobby proved to us, the power of the sock should never be underestimated. It was one particularly smelly sock that granted him his freedom in the first place. And from that moment on his love for socks only grew – the more lurid the better! And his one main rule? Your socks should *never* match. He even gave Harry an excellently mismatched pair – who wouldn’t want one bright red sock with broomsticks paired with a green sock covered in Snitches? We know we would… even if Harry didn’t fully appreciate them. So, remember to embrace socks, they’re more fun and powerful than you think.


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## Anything can be an accessory
One major lesson we learnt from Dobby was that anything can be an accessory. You don’t have to stick to your scarves, hats, necklaces and handbags made out of traditional materials. If you want to wear a tea-cosy on your head covered in badges, then you absolutely should. That was a look that Dobby went for, and he looked very stylish (even if we do say so ourselves). And did you know that a tea-cosy can be incredibly versatile too? Like Dobby, you could always add a bauble for a bit of festive cheer. When it comes to accessories, we should all be thinking outside of the box. Any household item can be used to transform a drab outfit if you have enough imagination. Whether it’s adding some fairy lights to an old dress or using a tasselled lampshade as a new hat, the possibilities are endless.

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## Feel free to experiment
Who wants to wear the same *boring* outfit over and over again? Dobby certainly didn’t! He was always looking to put together brand-new looks. While not everyone appreciated them, it just proved that he was a fashion icon ahead of his time. You want to wear mismatching socks? Go for it. You want to pair some football shorts with a tie? Well, why not? Dobby had a real knack for coming up with inventive outfit combinations that most people would never dream of. He didn’t care if the colours clashed or if certain items didn’t strictly go together. He had fun! And so should you. 

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## Never worry what other people think
Unfortunately, people can be judgemental and refuse to mind their own business – especially if someone appears to be a little different. But you don’t need to let it get to you. Something that comes up time and time again in Dobby’s guide to fashion is this… do not worry what other people think of you. Do what makes you happy. Dobby certainly did. He got great enjoyment from anything to do with clothes. There was not one moment where he stopped to consider anyone else’s opinion. This house-elf knew what he liked – mainly odd socks – and wore his clothes with pride. To be honest, we could all do with being a bit more Dobby. 

The chapter that made us fall in love with… Dobby

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The chapter that made us fall in love with Dobby

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From the moment [Dobby](/features/dobby "Dobby") entered our lives by landing a sugared violets pudding onto the Dursleys’ house guest, he has had a special place in our hearts.

The big-eared, big-hearted [house-elf](/features/house-elves "House-elves"), who just wanted a fair wage for his work, was easy to love and helped [Harry Potter](/features/harry-potter "Harry Potter") out on plenty of occasions. But the moment that will always stick with us was when the free elf made the ultimate sacrifice for Harry and his friends, and died while helping them to escape from [Malfoy Manor](/features/malfoy-manor "Malfoy Manor"). 

## ‘Malfoy Manor’ 

Harry, [Ron](/features/ron-weasley "Ron Weasley") and [Hermione’s](/features/hermione-granger "Hermione Granger") luck ran out and they found themselves captured and helpless at Malfoy Manor. While the boys were put in the cellar with [Luna Lovegood](/features/luna-lovegood "Luna Lovegood"), [Dean Thomas](/features/dean-thomas "Dean Thomas") and [Ollivander](/features/garrick-ollivander "Garrick Ollivander"), Hermione was tortured for answers by [Bellatrix Lestrange](/features/bellatrix-lestrange "Bellatrix Lestrange"). With all hope lost, Harry desperately called for help through a shard of a mirror once given to him by [Sirius Black](/features/sirius-black "Sirius Black"), where he was sure he kept seeing [Dumbledore’s](/features/aberforth-dumbledore "Aberforth Dumbledore") piercing blue eye looking back at him…

> Dumbledore’s eye was gazing at him out of the mirror.  
> ‘Help us!’ he yelled at it in mad desperation. ‘We’re in the cellar of Malfoy Manor, help us!’  
> The eye blinked, and was gone.  
> Harry was not even sure that it had really been there. 
<br> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* </br> 

But like on so many previous occasions when Harry had been in need of help, it wasn’t Dumbledore who came to his aid, but his faithful friend, Dobby. Much like when Dobby had to punish himself to tell Harry about the [Chamber of Secrets](/writing-by-jk-rowling/chamber-of-secrets "Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling"), or when he stole [Gillyweed](/features/gillyweed "Gillyweed") for Harry to use during the Triwizard Tournament, Dobby risked everything to help out his friend in this chapter. 

## Why it matters

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It’s heartbreaking to think of how truly scared poor Dobby must have been to be back at Malfoy Manor. Not only was he risking his life by answering Harry’s pleas for help, he was returning to a place where he had been enslaved, to face the family that were cruel to him for many years. It just goes to show that Dobby really would do anything to help Harry. Of all of the places Harry could have been, he was in Dobby’s old home. And the house-elf was terrified to be there.

> ‘Dobby’s enormous, tennis-ball-shaped eyes were wide; he was trembling from his feet to the tips of his ears. He was back in the home of his old masters, and it was clear that he was petrified.’ 
<br> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* </br>

But of course, Dobby’s heroism wasn’t just limited to rescuing the captives in the cellar. When Dobby left with Ollivander, Dean and Luna, the trio were again thrown into mortal peril when [Voldemort](/features/lord-voldemort "Lord Voldemort") was summoned and Bellatrix held a knife to Hermione’s throat, promising her to the werewolf, [Fenrir Greyback](/features/fenrir-greyback "Fenrir Greyback"). With Harry and Ron unable to act, once again they would have been lost if it wasn’t for Dobby’s idea to drop a chandelier onto Bellatrix.

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Dobby drops the chandelier on the assembled Death Eaters at Malfoy Manor.

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This move would have been something only a nimble house-elf could have managed without detection, which was probably why Bellatrix was so caught off guard, and it also says so much about the strength of Dobby’s character. In this moment, Dobby was not only defying his old masters, he was directly trying to harm one, which most definitely shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s notoriously difficult for house-elves to break away from the families they once belonged to, and as if this act of defiance wasn't enough, Dobby truly showed his masters that he was a free elf (and has his own impressive brand of magic) by stealing their [wands](/features/wands "Wands"). 

> As Narcissa dragged Draco out of the way of further harm, Bellatrix sprang to her feet, her hair flying as she brandished the silver knife; but Narcissa had directed her wand at the doorway.  
> ‘Dobby!’ she screamed, and even Bellatrix froze. ‘You! You dropped the chandelier –?’  
> The tiny elf trotted into the room, his shaking finger pointing at his old mistress.  
> ‘You must not hurt Harry Potter,’ he squeaked. 
<br> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* </br>

Dobby’s death is one of the saddest moments in the entire series, and like everyone, we were devastated when Bellatrix killed Dobby. But that being said, if Dobby really had to die, we are so glad that he finally got a chance to declare himself a free elf in front of his former masters, who had treated him as a slave for all of those years.

> ‘You dirty little monkey!’ bawled Bellatrix. ‘How dare you take a witch’s wand, how dare you defy your masters?’  
> ‘Dobby has no master!’ squealed the elf. ‘Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!’ 
<br> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* </br>

## True to the end

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If you are easily distraught thinking about Dobby’s death, now might be the time to look away and think of happier times. Okay, here we go. After Harry and his friends Apparated to the safety of [Shell Cottage](/features/shell-cottage "Shell Cottage"), and Harry thought they’d all come away (mostly) unscathed, he saw the knife – thrown in one last-ditch attempt by Bellatrix Lestrange – protruding from Dobby’s chest and begged his house-elf friend not to die. 

> Harry caught him and laid him sideways on the cool grass.  
> ‘Dobby, no, don’t die, don’t die –’  
> The elf’s eyes found him, and his lips trembled with the effort to form words.  
> ‘Harry … Potter …’  
> And then with a little shudder the elf became quite still, and his eyes were nothing more than great, glassy orbs sprinkled with light from the stars they could not see. 
<br> *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* </br>

Dobby’s [death](/features/harry-potter-most-devastating-deaths "The most devastating deaths in the Harry Potter stories") was particularly devastating as it was the one time that he couldn’t do what Harry wanted him to do: stay alive. 

Dobby taught us that heroes come in all different shapes and sizes and that even a little house-elf can stand up for himself and his friends, face his fears and show those who doubted him just what he is made of. We love you, Dobby.

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Dobby bows to Harry in his bedroom in Privet Drive

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to Fantastic Beasts

7 times Dobby was a comedy genius 

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Dobby holds the sock which grants his freedom from the Malfoys.

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__For more mischievous content, check out our new [Magical Mischief collection.](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/magical-mischief)__

Whether it’s piling dozens of tiny knitted hats on his head at once, or painting Harry the world’s most hideous portrait, an appearance from Dobby always had us rolling in the aisles. Here’s a couple of our favourite (and endearingly unintentionally funny) Dobby moments. 

## 1. When he ‘dobs’ himself in within the first 5 minutes of meeting Harry

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Dobby WB F2 DobbyInHarrysBedroom Still 080615 Land

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We first meet Dobby at the beginning of *Chamber of Secrets*, when Harry finds the house-elf causing mayhem in his bedroom at 4 Privet Drive. Within about five minutes, Dobby goes from saying he can’t say anything to admitting he is responsible for intercepting Harry’s letters from his Hogwarts friends as an attempt to stop him returning to school. Nice going, Dobby – you’d have made a great spy. 
> 
> ‘See what it’s like here?’ he said. ‘See why I’ve got to go back to Hogwarts? It’s the only place I’ve got – well, I think I’ve got friends.’<br>
> ‘Friends who don’t even write to Harry Potter?’ said Dobby slyly.<br>
> ‘I expect they’ve just been – hang on,’ said Harry, frowning.<br>
> ‘How do you know my friends haven’t been writing to me?’<br>
> Dobby shuffled his feet.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*
> 
<br>

And this is all prior to the infamous 'pudding' incident - so all in all, a very unintentionally amusing day all-round for Dobby.

## 2. When he tried out saying something mean 

> Dobby whispered, ‘He said we is free to call him a – a barmy
> old codger if we likes, sir!’
> Dobby gave a frightened sort of giggle.<br>
> Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 

Gasp! Dobby, such strong words! 

## 3. When he embraces his... artistic side

After securing Dobby’s freedom from the shackles of his house-elf duties for the Malfoys, Dobby did tend to overcompensate in giving his thanks to Harry. Cue many years of weird Christmas and birthday presents. For Christmas in his fifth year, Dobby really surpassed himself – painting an actual portrait of Harry. It’s safe to say Fred and George weren’t particularly overwhelmed by Dobby’s artistic talents. 

> ‘What’s that supposed to be, anyway?’ asked Fred, squinting at Dobby’s painting. ‘Looks like a gibbon with two black eyes.’<br>
> ‘It’s Harry!’ said George, pointing at the back of the picture, ‘says so on the back!’<br>
> ‘Good likeness,’ said Fred, grinning.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
> 
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## 4. The tea-cosy – need we say more?

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Homepage carousel Dobby when Harry Potter got it right

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> He was wearing a tea-cosy for a hat, on which he had pinned a number of bright badges; a tie patterned with horseshoes over a bare chest, a pair of what looked like children’s football shorts, and odd socks.<br>
>*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*
>
<br>

How have tea-cosy hats not become the next big fashion trend yet?

## 5. His unbridled love of socks 

As Dumbledore says, ‘one can never have enough socks’ but if you’re mates with Dobby – you most likely have quite a lot of socks. Imagine Harry's joy when he received a knitted pair of mismatched socks designed by Dobby himself. Quite the pioneer in sock design. 

But to be fair to the little guy – we can’t blame Dobby's golf-ball eyes lighting up whenever he catches sight of one – to him, it’s his own personal symbol of freedom. 

> ‘Socks are Dobby’s favourite, favourite clothes, sir!’ he said,
> ripping off his odd ones and pulling on Uncle Vernon’s. ‘I has
> seven now, sir … but, sir ...’ he said, his eyes widening, having
> pulled both socks up to their highest extent, so that they
> reached to the bottom of his shorts, ‘they has made a mistake
> in the shop, Harry Potter, they is giving you two the same!’<br>
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

## 6. When he wore all of the hats

> Dobby the house-elf was standing beside the table on which Hermione had left half a dozen of her knitted hats. His large, pointed ears were now sticking out from beneath what looked like all the hats Hermione had ever knitted; he was wearing one on top of the other, so that his head seemed elongated by two or three feet, and on the very topmost bobble sat Hedwig, hooting serenely and obviously cured.<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
> 
<br>

Picturing the image of Dobby wearing all of Hermione’s hats in one go is just... perfect. It kind of ruined Hermione’s whole S.P.E.W. initiative, but at least Dobby was happy. And Hedwig really was the cherry on top. 

## 7. When he redecorated the Room of Requirement... with Harry’s face

> Harry arrived early in the Room of Requirement for the last DA meeting before the holidays and was very glad he had, because when the torches burst into flame he saw that Dobby had taken it upon himself to decorate the place for Christmas. He could tell the elf had done it, because nobody else would have strung a hundred golden baubles from the ceiling, each showing a picture of Harry’s face and bearing the legend: HAVE A VERY HARRY CHRISTMAS!<br>
> *Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix*
> 
<br>

Incredible punning skills and a masterclass in interior design. Oh Dobby, we wish we could have a friend like you.

5 friendship lessons we learned from Dobby the house-elf

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The plucky house-elf may have had his awkward moments (such as the cake incedent, hiding Harry’s personal post and almost getting him expelled weren’t ideal) but you can’t say he was never a great friend.  

While we don’t condone violence towards desserts or banging your head repeatedly with a lamp, we can all look to Dobby for a lesson in how to be a good friend.

So what did the bravest house-elf in the wizarding world teach us about friendship?

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## Sometimes you need to show tough love
Agreeing with your friends and backing them up is all well and good, but sometimes what they want is not what they need. Dobby’s methods of keeping Harry out of Hogwarts in *Chamber of Secrets* maybe weren’t such a good idea (see the aforementioned cake-dropping) but he had great intentions.

While all Harry wanted was to go back to school, Dobby knew it was a dangerous place and it would be safer, albeit more miserable, to stay at the Dursleys’. He also knew he’d have to be tough and do unpopular things to make that happen.

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## Help your mates in their hour of need
A good friend will do anything to help out their buddy, whether that’s sitting up until four in the morning talking about a bad date, picking them up from the airport, or stealing Gillyweed from a teacher’s private stores to help them breathe underwater. What, just us?

The moment Dobby overheard (faux) Mad-Eye Moody talking about the properties of Gillyweed, he sped off to steal Snape's stocks so Harry wouldn’t fail in his second Triwizard Tournament task, even though getting caught would probably have got him sacked. 

We’re not suggesting nicking anything for your pals but you get the idea. Dobby would do anything to be a good friend. 

## Stand up for your friends 
Whether it’s defending your friend’s honour in front of the school bully or telling off their boyfriend/girlfriend for upsetting them, standing up for your mates can be nerve-wracking.

Dobby was so committed to defending Harry that he stood up to the intimidating Lucius just moments after being freed from servitude.

Using magic on a wizard a whole lot taller than you must have been terrifying, yet Dobby did everything in his power to stop Malfoy from harming Harry. 

## Keep their secrets 
We all know that Dobby had trouble with not letting things slip, but he knew when to cover for his friends in their embarrassing moments.

Fellow house-elf Winky was devastated to have lost her job with Barty Crouch Jr, and descended into a drinking spiral at Hogwarts. To spare her blushes, Dobby would move her to the [Room of Requirement](/features/room-of-requirement-infographic "The many states of the Room of Requirement") when she had one too many and try to keep her spirits up in those dark moments.

So maybe we should take a leaf out of Dobby’s book and not put those pictures of your friend falling over in the nightclub up on Facebook. 

## Never let anybody hurt the ones you love
None of us ever want our pals to be hurt, but Dobby was even willing to put himself in danger to save his friends.
In *Deathly Hallows*, Dobby threw himself between Bellatrix Lestrange and Harry, announcing: ‘Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends.’

His unwavering devotion led to Dobby’s heartbreaking death, but to the end he was a loyal friend through and through. 

Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to have a little cry.

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An illustration of Dobby in Harry's bedroom.

5 friendship lessons we learned from Dobby

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True or false quiz: Dobby edition

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Dobby was a house-elf.

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The Black family were Dobby’s original masters.

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A hat was the item of clothing used to free Dobby.

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Socks were Dobby’s favourite item of clothing.

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was when Dobby made his first appearance. 

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Dobby sealed off the barrier to platform nine and three-quarters, stopping Harry and Ron from catching the Hogwarts Express.

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Dobby knitted Harry an orange and purple scarf for Christmas. 

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Dobby used a Hover Charm to levitate and then drop a treacle tart in the Dursleys’ sitting room.

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After being freed from the Malfoys, Dobby went to work at Hogwarts.

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Dobby cast the spell that removed all the bones in Harry’s arm which had to be painfully regrown using Skele-Gro.

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They say good things come in small packages and Dobby was the very best. From being Harry’s number one fan to his love of a particular item of clothing, see if you can separate the truth from the lies about this much-loved character.

The Dobby crossword

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We'll throw you a sock if you complete this crossword in record time.

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[See our latest wordsearches, crosswords and Number Magic puzzles over at our hub](https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/potter-puzzles)


Complete the quote quiz: Dobby edition

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Dobby will have to punish himself most grievously for coming to see you, sir. Dobby will have to ______for this. 

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Dobby has got ______… Master threw it, and Dobby caught it, and Dobby – Dobby is free.

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Dobby knows, sir! Harry Potter has to go into the lake and find his ______ 

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Dobby has never been asked to sit down by a wizard – like   ______ 

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Harry Potter is brave and noble and Harry Potter is not ______! 

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Kreacher will not insult Harry Potter in front of Dobby, no he won’t, or Dobby will ______! 

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Dobby has no master!... Dobby is¬ ______, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends! 

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This well-loved and loyal house-elf might have been small, but he certainly made a big impression. How well can you recall what Harry’s biggest fan had to say?

Brilliant Dobby! Kind, helpful, dedicated Dobby - the house-elf that never gave up once he had the great Harry Potter by his side. This page is a celebration for our large-eared friend, where you can play quizzes and puzzles or simply learn more about his story. After all, Dobby always taught us to be our best self. Or should that be, best elf?

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