Dobby the House-Elf : Character Analysis

Dobby has appeared in 2/3 of the books written thus far, and I'd hazard a guess that he won't be left out of Book 7 (which will make it 5/7). :D

Dobby is a bit of an odd house-elf, escaping enslavement to the Malfoy family and enjoying his freedom (to the seeming horror of the Hogwarts elves and Winky) though he didn't seem to welcome unemployment of any kind. He seems very willing to give allegiance and assistance to Harry, even though in CoS his 'assistance' wasn't very welcome. He also seems stoutly loyal to Albus when mentioning the Headmaster in GoF.

The topic is expected to evolve, but the following are some questions to ponder:

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?

4) Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission. Is Dobby particularly strong with elf-magic or is this indicative of house-elf abilities? Will his ability to over-ride wizarding magic be useful to Harry in Book 7?


Please remember that this is a discussion thread. All criticism should be constructive. You can say "Dobby made a mistake by doing such and such" but not "Dobby is a manipulative jerk". Posts that are considered bashing may be deleted by staff.

YAY Dobby :clap: *coughbacktoseriouscough*

Ok, I like Dobby. I think that he did an heroic thing. He fought against a century old magical bondage. Even if he was not able to fight off completally the effects of it, he actively works to twarth the plans of his masters.

But why? Why does he not want Voldemort to win? He doesn't know Harry, he never met him, but nontheless he leaves the Malfoy manor in a desperate try to save Harry.

What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died?
I do believe that this shows us that to fight for a greater good is MORE POWERFUL than the magical slavery bond.
Dobby has convictions. He believes that Voldemort should not return. He does not want the elves to be treated as scum, and he does not talk only about himself. He does not accept the values of his family without questioning them, it's more he openly critiques it and fights against it.

Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?
I always wondered what would happen if Dobby had met Draco. I believe Dobby avoided to be seen by Draco. The aftereffects of the slavery are still there, he still bumps his head against things, but it's getting better. :)

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?
Dobby is loyal to those he choses to be loyal. THAT IS the great DIFFERENCE between him and the other houselves (excepting Kreacher, who choses too). I do believe that it's going to play a role in book 7.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?
The other houselves see him as an oddball. They don't understand him. Right now it doesn't look like there is going to be a big revolt, and Dobby doesn't seem to want to have trouble with the others (he tells Hermione to leave him out of SPEW) *coughdon't look at my signaturecough*

BUT I don't know what would happen if the Voldywar affects directly the elves, killing or open cruelty (like in Voldywar 1). Maybe they will see the freedom with other eyes then. Maybe they will look at Dobby and realise that a happy life in freedom is better than to be enslaved and mistreated.
It's possible.

What I also like about Dobby, is that he helps Winky. Winky is desperate, and alcoholic, and he takes care of her, even if she disagrees with his views.

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?
I think when we saw Dobby betraying the Malfoys (even though we didn't know it was the Malfoys when we first met Dobby) it showed that Dobby was willing to take risks to do the right thing and help the side of good. He didn't want to see Harry, who is good, die at the hands, or by the plan of a wizarding family who Dobby found to be nasty. It introduced Dobby as a good character right from the start. Even if Dobby's plans to save Harry seemed to me to be not thought out that well, Dobby's intentions were in the right place.
I think that Dobby is more and more loyal to Harry and to Hogwarts and he will be more able to reveal secrets about the Malfoy family as time goes on. At first, he was still trying to punish himself if he spoke poorly of his old masters, but in HBP, we see him freely follow Draco and report to Harry Draco's activities.
As to what he may or may not know about the Malfoys....I think there are things the could know about them, some of which I would think were discovered when Arthur and the Ministry raided the manor, but there could be more. What's more important than what he knows however, is will those in power in the Wizarding World be willing to listen to him?

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?
I think Dobby has evolved. He went from being the loyal servant of the Malfoys who would punish himself for speaking badly about them, to being a free elf who was willing to kickey-scratchy with Kreacher when Kreacher insluted Harry Potter. I think that as Dobby adjusts more to his freedom, he will grow more and more.
Dobby's loyalty to Harry and Dumbledore show me that he's "Harry's elf, through and through". :D
Will this loyalty help Harry? Yes, I think it will. I think Dobby will be willing to help Harry in anyway he can, including using his powers for Harry's good, following Harry's orders and keeping Harry's secrets.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?
Dobby is a free thinker. He has the ability to break with tradition and do what he feels is right. He is odd according to the other elves. I think he's ahead of his time. I think that if the other elves could see that Dobby is happy with paying and still gets work done, they could follow him. But, I don't know that the revolution will start at Hogwarts. I think it would have to be some unhappy elves that he would have to start out with.
As to if he would lead such a revolt...I don't know. He is capable of doing so I think, but I don't know if he would do it.

4) Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission. Is Dobby particularly strong with elf-magic or is this indicative of house-elf abilities? Will his ability to over-ride wizarding magic be useful to Harry in Book 7?
Somewhere in the books it says that Houseelves have their own powerful brand of magic. I think this statement is important. Wizards shouldn't count out the power of the Houseelves. I think all Houseelves can use thier powers like Dobby used his if they want to, or if they feel a despirate need to use them.
I think that Dobby will continue to help Harry in book 7 and I think there could be some foreshadowing to Dobby helping Harry in the search for Horcruxes.
-Wizards tend to look down on house elves, and thus their powers.
-Voldemort tends to look at unqualified wizards as not having the power to reach his locket horcrux.
-(My assumption here) Voldemort would not take into account a magical creature when setting up his protection, or he would have thought them not powerful enough to make a difference.
If we look at those three things, I feel it could be possible for Dobby to assist Harry, much in the way Harry assisted Dumbledore, in the search for the final Horcruxes.

I don't think that Dobby feels any loyalty to his old masters anymore. I think that part of this is the way that Harry and Dumbledore have treated him. While many house-elves are looked down upon when they are set free, Harry and Dumbledore helped Dobby by giving him a secure place to work. Dobby would do anything Harry asked him to do. I think that Dobby's spying on Malfoy was just the beginning. Dobby's spying will give Harry a wealth of crucial information. Dobby is the first house elf we see from a pure blood dark artsy family that detests the dark arts. His risk-taking in CoS show that he is committed to good and that makes him a very valuable ally for the Order.
Dobby must have a unique spirit to be able to break through the chains of enslavement and stand up for good. I think that he has not yet shown how truly powerful house elf magic is. As a side note, I am sad that Dobby hasn't gotten a lot of movie time because he has been so essential to helping Harry succeed.

I love Dobby. I think that they're would be a real loss to people everywhere of Jo took him out of the books. I think that Dobby is sort of like a superhero. I mean if you look at it he's rescued Harry out of a lot of different situations. Liek for instance the Gillyweed. And he warned Harry about Umbridge when she was coming to the RoR. I mean he helped Harry out a lot. I think that everybody loves Dobby!!!

1) What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?
I think Dobby’s loyalty (whatever loyalty he had) to his family is gone. Thus I don’t think it’s a conflict of interest at all for Dobby to tell Malfoy’s secrets or the secrets of the Malfoy family. Dobby was only prevented from telling these secrets while still in their service because of the forced bond of slavery between he and the Malfoy family. Though Dobby has found it a bit difficult to badmouth the Malfoys even though he’s no longer their House-Elf, I think book 7 will show him finding it less and less difficult as he becomes more far removed from his experience of servitude. If it came down to Harry’s safety and revealing a Malfoy secret, I don’t think Dobby would hesitate to tell that secret, which is something he’d already been face with in CoS (though he couldn’t directly tell Harry the information – he had to hint at it). All in all, I agree with guad that Dobby was very brave for standing up for defying the bond of servitude between he and the Malfoys.

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?
I’m sure Dobby’s loyalty to Harry and Dumbledore could help Harry in book 7. Perhaps Dobby may provide Harry with some important information either about the Malfoys, Draco, or Voldemort. As for Dobby’s evolution, I believe he may take a more active role in the fight against Voldemort. And as I mentioned above, he’ll likely become less and less squeamish of badmouthing the Malfoys and/or telling their secrets.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?
An interesting question. I wonder if the other house elves have disdain for Dobby and don’t like that he’s working for money because they probably see it as something a house elf should not do. Because of this, I’m not sure Dobby would be able to rally them to fight against Voldemort, though I do believe Dobby is willing and able to lead such a revolt. The other house elves don’t seem to be the types to rebel like Dobby is.

4) Is Dobby particularly strong with elf-magic or is this indicative of house-elf abilities? Will his ability to over-ride wizarding magic be useful to Harry in Book 7?
I believe these abilities are just a sample of what House Elves are able to do, but then again we really have nothing to base the strength of these abilities against. For all we know, he may be a talented House Elf, and if so, that’s an added bonus for Harry. I do believe it’s possible for him to help Harry in some manner by overriding wizarding magic. Though Harry will embark on his journey alone, I can’t help but wonder if Dobby will pop up out of nowhere at some point and give Harry some help. Perhaps he might be useful in the locating or destruction of a horcrux.

I love Dobby, he's a great character! Gotta have Dobby.=)

Because of this, I’m not sure Dobby would be able to rally them to fight against Voldemort, though I do believe Dobby is willing and able to lead such a revolt. The other house elves don’t seem to be the types to rebel like Dobby is.
I don't know if right now Dobby would be willing to lead such a revolt. I remember that he was not too keen on Hermiones SPEW idea.

The difference would be IMO now that Dumbledore is dead though. The houselves in Hogwarts have no guarantee anymore that they will be treated well. It might close, it might have a new headmaster (like Umbridge) and we know that during the first Voldywar the elves were treated like scum.

Will the elves suffer silently under such a treatment? Or will they suddenly see Dobby with other eyes? Will they still consider him as an oddball, or will they begin to appreciate the freedom he has AND the fact that it's possible to be free?

I can see Dobby supporting unhappy elves (like he does with Winky) and so showing them an alternative way of living, outside of slavery.

I think when we saw Dobby betraying the Malfoys (even though we didn't know it was the Malfoys when we first met Dobby) it showed that Dobby was willing to take risks to do the right thing and help the side of good. He didn't want to see Harry, who is good, die at the hands, or by the plan of a wizarding family who Dobby found to be nasty. It introduced Dobby as a good character right from the start. Even if Dobby's plans to save Harry seemed to me to be not thought out that well, Dobby's intentions were in the right place.

While I completely agree with you, and I don't think for a second that this could actually happen, Dobby's betrayal of his family could be a double-edged sword. It shows that his heart and intentions were in the right place, but the fact of the matter is that he betrayed his "family." Like I said, I don't believe he would betray Harry, but it does show that there might be a possibility of him doing it if by some freakish turn of events Harry does something that Dobby doesn't agree with.

I think that Dobby is more and more loyal to Harry and to Hogwarts and he will be more able to reveal secrets about the Malfoy family as time goes on. At first, he was still trying to punish himself if he spoke poorly of his old masters, but in HBP, we see him freely follow Draco and report to Harry Draco's activities.
As to what he may or may not know about the Malfoys....I think there are things the could know about them, some of which I would think were discovered when Arthur and the Ministry raided the manor, but there could be more. What's more important than what he knows however, is will those in power in the Wizarding World be willing to listen to him?

I think Dobby will have a huge if not significant role in the last book. Not only because I believe that he will be useful in retrieving information for Harry (because, let's face it, Harry has yet to "order" him to stop following Malfoy everywhere he goes--in fact, Dobby might already have an idea of where Malfoy is hiding with Snape and the only other person who might try to stop him is Kreacher because Draco is part of the family he respects) but, because he is free. I believe that SPEW will come to play in the last book. It is a very important cause, I don't see Hermione stopping. She is very insistant, and she doesn't give up easily. Therefore, along with SPEW and Dobby's freedom, I think Dobby will be very important for Harry indeed.

I don't think that Dobby would betray Harry under any circumstances. I also think that he respects the other house elves in their desires to not be free. This is one of the reasons he goes to the Gryffindor Common Room to pick up all of Hermione's hats and socks. He wouldn't force them into freedom, but I do agree that he would offer comfort to banished elves such as he has done with Winky. I think that the support he gives Winky shows that he has compassion. While other elves would look down upon Winky, Dobby was there to offer help and encouragement.

I also can't see Dobby turning against Harry. I don't think Dobby ever respected the Malfoy's, whereas he appears to be like Ginny in that he idolized Harry before he even met him. Dobby has and will continue to be a true ally to Harry.

About SPEW, I believe Dobby told Harry he didn't think it was right for Hermione to trick the other elves into freedom. That shows that, while he longed to be free, and now enjoys his freedom, he respects the other elves' right to remain slaves. (boy, does that statement sound weird!) As a house elf, he understands what they (in general terms) really want, which is to serve others. This is what he really still wants for himself. Even free, he doesn't want too many days off, and spends his free time working -- knitting socks, decorating secret meeting rooms, etc. So I think its the other aspects of the slavery, such as not being able to speak his mind, added to the simple fact that he didn't like his "family", that made Dobby want to be free. ((PS, doesn't Hermione have much, much more important things to worry about right now? I don't see SPEW having any role in the plot of book 7, more likely a mention in the last chapter.))

Can you tell I love Dobby? I can't believe they cut him from 4 & 5. They better leave him in 6, I can't wait to see the elf fight in the hospital wing!

I think that the support he gives Winky shows that he has compassion. While other elves would look down upon Winky, Dobby was there to offer help and encouragement.
I agree. He doesn't treat her like an oddball or like she was strange, nor does he try to convince her that freedom is the best thing that happened to her.
He understands slavery. He understands why elves want to be enslaved, even if he doesn't want to be it.




That shows that, while he longed to be free, and now enjoys his freedom, he respects the other elves' right to remain slaves. (boy, does that statement sound weird!)
That doesn't sound weird at all. :) He respects the right for a choice. He choses freedom but he still respects the choice of other elves to remain enslaved, he would never go an campaign for it or force them.

I also can't see Dobby turning against Harry. I don't think Dobby ever respected the Malfoy's, whereas he appears to be like Ginny in that he idolized Harry before he even met him. Dobby has and will continue to be a true ally to Harry.I agree. It's the special thing on Dobby that he very early began to make decisions for his life by his own.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?
I think there is a theme of the "outcast" in these books, with Hagrid being "Half-Giant," Snape being Slytherin but "Half-Blood," Harry being a "Parselmouth-Gryffindor," Lupin being a "Tame" Werewolf, Sirius being the "Anti-Dark Arts Black," Firenze being the "Outcast Centaur," and finally, Dobby being the "Elf Who Gets Paid." :) So I do see Dobby as unique in many ways and someone the other Elves might listen to, in the same way the DA rallied around Harry even though many of them had read and heard strange stories about him. But if Dobby can remember how bad things were under Voldemort, then I'm sure the other Elves are aware that their rights (meager though they are) are in jeopardy if Voldemort takes power.

Werewolves, Giants, and Goblins may be offered deals by Voldemort to make sort of a "war pact" so they will fight on the bad side. But Elves have no rights anyway, and are seen as "slaves" by the Death Eaters, even though they might help out of loyalty, as Kreacher did. So what have they got to lose by fighting for Harry Potter? Nothing.

I've always loved this picture of Dobby wearing all of Hermione's knitted caps. I imagine that he's got them hidden somewhere, and if they need to fight, they can wear them like little helmets. :lol:

http://www.encyclopedie-hp.org/images/chapters/op/custom/c18-dumbledores-army.gif

I think there is a theme of the "outcast" in these books,
I totally agree. :agree: I also find it very interesting that the 'outcasts' are the ones helping Harry: Firenze, Grawp and Hagrid and of course Dobby. I don't think that it's a coincidence that it's the oddball Dobby who actually plays an active part in Harrys life and who has helped him out in several occasions.

Werewolves, Giants, and Goblins may be offered deals by Voldemort to make sort of a "war pact" so they will fight on the bad side. But still in these groups we have the outcasts fighting for the good side. Lupin for the werewolves, Grawp for the Giants and there is Bill trying to communicate with Ragnoc regarding the Goblin issue.

But Elves have no rights anyway, and are seen as "slaves" by the Death Eaters, even though they might help out of loyalty, as Kreacher did. So what have they got to lose by fighting for Harry Potter? Nothing.
Dobby is very clear about his motivation to uspport Harry: in the first moment it's not because he loves Harry, it's because Harry defeated Voldemort. Dobby has been against Voldemort long before even knowing Harry. He is against them because under Voldemort elves were treated like scum. AND what is more important, he fights to help Harry, to prevent those times to come back even if this does not improve his own situation. He does it for the other elves. (in CoS he says that he would be treated like scum anyway, so that it doesn't make no difference)

I agree that the other elves might realise that fighting for the good side actually is important for them. And by seing Dobby they might realise that freedom is not such a bad thing.

I had never made a connection between Dobby and Ginny before. That is interesting. I also love how it was pointed out that Dobby is an outcast in the world of house-elves. He must also have felt like an outcast working for blood purist death eaters. I wonder how long his family had served with the Malfoys. It must have taken a tremendous amount of courage to try to save Harry, but I wonder how he even came to the conclusion that what he was brought up with was bad. In a way it parallels Sirius, who grew up in a blood purist family, but rebelled against their prejudices.

There must be a strong social structure for House Elves that we have not seen yet. Dobby knew that it was not in the best interest of the House Elf community that Voldermort be returned to power. I would love to find out why and how house elves became the servants of wizards. House elves have an old and strong magic which can overpower a wizard, at least one on one. I suspect that wizards were afraid of the power of house elves and arranged for this solution to the problem. Dobby showed a strong commitment to his fellow house elves when he elected to help Harry over his own "family", the Malfoys. I think that other house elves would look to Dobby as a leader, if they needed one, even though they think he is odd for wanting to be paid now.

It is inacceptable that Dobby is on the bottom of this forum :D

Dobby knew that it was not in the best interest of the House Elf community that Voldermort be returned to power.
Yes, that is true. And I think that it's significant that Dobby (as the only known free elf) points out that the situation under Voldemort was even worse for enslaved elves.

Dobby cares about his community, even if he is not fully part of it anymore. He cared about the welfare of his fellow elves in other families. He doesn't want Voldemort to return, because the other elves would suffer the consequences, for himself nothing had changed anyway.


I would love to find out why and how house elves became the servants of wizards. House elves have an old and strong magic which can overpower a wizard, at least one on one. I suspect that wizards were afraid of the power of house elves and arranged for this solution to the problem.I agree with you and I recommend you this thread Discrimination and Slavery in the Wizarding world, thoughts and critiques (http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=92616) *coughshamelesspromotioncough* ;)

And I think that it's significant that Dobby (as the only known free elf) points out that the situation under Voldemort was even worse for enslaved elves.*cough.movieonly.cough*

*cough.movieonly.cough*
No, it's in the book too. :) I don't have them here right now, but I am almost sure that he says this to Harry (or something similar) in the book as well. I will look it up later.

I like Dobby hes good and a little feisty too at times:D it is also suprising that he served The Malfoys who are dark wizards, and yet he is good and has helped Harry on more than one occasion. He has trouble with what Hermoine is trying to do for house elves with SPEW, bur he is not afraid to stand up for what is good and honourable I feel he may have a part to play in book7:)

it is also suprising that he served The Malfoys who are dark wizards, and yet he is good and has helped Harry on more than one occasion.
I think that he didn't really have the choice for serving the Malfoys. I believe that he says somewhere that his whole family served the Malfoys.
But you are right, it is surprising that he turns out to be a Pro-Harry and against Dark Arts person, although having lived his whole life in a Dark surrounding.
It only shows his great personality :D

Maybe I should take this thought to a different thread, but here it is:
Dobby has been treated badly from his family and desided to go against their will, their very clear orders and the tradition of the house elves. Doesn't that make him a traitor? Though he is justified in our eyes. And then Kreacher, he is treated badly from Sirius, or at least he would be if the others weren't around. So he went away to his (in his own opinion rightfull) master, Bellatrix, who was at least a member of the Black family, while Dobby went to a total stranger, just because he had heard that Harry had defied Lord Voldermort.
Dobbys loyalty to Harry comes from Harry's behavour, treating him as a friend and an equal. Kreachers loyalty comes from a lifetime of service to a family that treated him in a way he is used to expect and thinks of as normal.
Why does Dobby have a right to choose his master (cause he actually sees Harry as a master) and Kreacher doesn't? Why is Dobby a hero and Kreacher a traitor? If we admire Dobby for his courage to choose and express his oppinion, so we should do for Kreacher, although he is on the "bad" side. It should be his right.
Appart from this, if Dobby really went to Harry just because a world were Lord Voldermort rules is cruel for ALL house elves, then he is a kind of Spartacus for his kind.

I have always imagined dobby and the other house elves joining up with the order and others to fight voldemort. I mean, if a group of elves went at lord v, he'd get his butt kick in my opinion. Especially from what we've seen coming from dobby. I definitely think dobby's going to be important, like always

Dobby rules!!!

I believe the fact that Dobby was able to go against the direct orders of his masters shows that he has an immense personal strength that enables him to make up his own mind and to make his own decisions. The loyalty to Harry and Dumbledore seems to indicate to me that this is only apparent because they were the first two wizards to show him kindness, but to go so far as to say that he would lead an uprising of house elves, I don't know whether that would come into fruition. He's happy with the deal he made with Dumbledore regarding payment and holidays etc, but I don't think that he would push unwilling house elves into freedom if they don't want it, he's not that kind of character.

Dont know about leading a revolt against their masters but i doubt that Dobby is the only one out there.Yes I know what Hagrid said about there being a weird one in every group, but i bet there are more. HE just has to find a way to show the other elves that getting paid isnt that bad... Where would they get that Idea though about having to serve the family?

I think Dobby may turn out to be a very important character. Will he pull through and really be helpful in the war? And who is his master now? McGonagall? We know house-elves have powerful magic, and I don't think we've seen all of Dobby's powers. I think he can become invisible, among other things. It'll be interesting to watch the role he plays.

I'd like to know what he can do for Harry in DH as well. Dobby would go to the ends of the Earth for Harry. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't at least offer help to the trio.

Dobby is going to play a big part in DH. He is very strong and will give help to Harry without any thought.

What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?

Dobby's character is essentially good and that is something the Malfoys with their mistreatment of him couldn't change. He was really courageous when he decided to disobey his "family", if they had found out they probably would have killed him, but he did it anyway. I think he will always feel some guilt when betraying the Malfoys, it's inbred into his species I think. But as time progresses it will get easier for him.

Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?

Obviously the other house-elves at Hogwarts don't agree with his behavior, they have made that plain on several occasions. Dobby will have a hard time, getting the house-elves into action, they rather mind their own business. There haven't been any signs that they want freedom, seem to be quite happy at Hogwarts. As for non-Hogwarts elves, it's hard to say. Their are probably more that get abused by their owners, but if they have the courage to disobey their masters depends on their characters. I can see Dobby leading a revolt, but I don't think he could rally enough support.

Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission. Is Dobby particularly strong with elf-magic or is this indicative of house-elf abilities? Will his ability to over-ride wizarding magic be useful to Harry in Book 7?

I think all house-elves have certain abilities, but some make better use of it. Dobby, having a strong sense of what is wrong and right, just had to act on what he thought was the best thing.

Dobby would help Harry with his abilities, for instance he might be able to cross security measures set up by Voldemort for one of his horcruxes. Would be typical for Voldemort to forget to think about a lesser species to make it through. instance

I'm rereading CoS at the moment and I came across this very interesting quote by Dobby.

'Ah, if Harry Potter only knew! If he knew what he means to us, to the lowly, the enslaved, us dregs of the magical world! Dobby remembers how it was when He Who Must Not Be Named was at the height of his powers, sir! We house-elves were treated like vermin, sir! Of course, Dobby is still treated like that, sir,' he admitted, drying his face on the pillowcase.

I know that there are still people who think that house-elves chose to be enslaved and are happy with their status; that Dobby is an exception. However, I think this quote is significant, in that it shoes that Dobby does not consider himself to be different from the other house-elves. He strongly identifies with his race and classifies them as "the lowly", "the enslaved" and "dregs of the magical world".

I'm rereading CoS at the moment and I came across this very interesting quote by Dobby.

'Ah, if Harry Potter only knew! If he knew what he means to us, to the lowly, the enslaved, us dregs of the magical world! Dobby remembers how it was when He Who Must Not Be Named was at the height of his powers, sir! We house-elves were treated like vermin, sir! Of course, Dobby is still treated like that, sir,' he admitted, drying his face on the pillowcase.

I know that there are still people who think that house-elves chose to be enslaved and are happy with their status; that Dobby is an exception. However, I think this quote is significant, in that it shoes that Dobby does not consider himself to be different from the other house-elves. He strongly identifies with his race and classifies them as "the lowly", "the enslaved" and "dregs of the magical world".

You have a point, it could be that the other house elves just don't have the courage to speak up. But it could also be that Dobby just thinks he speaks for all the other house elves. All we know from him and the other house elves (the ones we met) is that they don't agree on this.

You have a point, it could be that the other house elves just don't have the courage to speak up. But it could also be that Dobby just thinks he speaks for all the other house elves. All we know from him and the other house elves (the ones we met) is that they don't agree on this.
Hm, actually the only happy and well treated houselves we've met so far are the Hogwarts houselves. I think it's no coincidence that they disagree with him, after all they work under Dumbledore, who is known to be sympathetic to houselves in general.

I wonder if the Hogwarts houself mentality would be the same under a headmaster like, let's say Umbridge or Lucius or similar.

I wonder if the Hogwarts houself mentality would be the same under a headmaster like, let's say Umbridge or Lucius or similar.

I doubt it.

I can imagine that Umbridge has the same attitude to house elves as she has towards other creatures, which doesn't bode well. Maybe they wouldn't act like Dobby and directly resist Umbridge. But they could show how unhappy they are. Wonder if they would hold a strike :hmm:

They might be too scared to resist Lucius, if they would have a character like Dobby they could handle it, but otherwise...

No, it's in the book too. :) I don't have them here right now, but I am almost sure that he says this to Harry (or something similar) in the book as well. I will look it up later.

I'm pretty certain you are right it was in the book as well. I'm just sad thatthe director didn't put Dobby into the 4 film and gave Neville the role of helping Harry. I think that JK wouldn't just forget such a character, therefore
I think he will play some part in the final:sad: book. Everyone knows that house elves have very powerful magic. Just look what Dobby did to L. Malfoy in Cos (both in the flm & book). Dobby als has a very, very strong attachment/reverence towards Harry, and I think that he may just need Dobby. In fact I can see Dobby dying to save Harry.

Here are some of my Dobby thoughts:

In CoS Dobby performs magic in the Dursley's house on purpose to get Harry into trouble and hopefully expelled from Hogwarts. This shows that Dobby has a very good idea of the rules of the wizarding world. He knew that his brand of house elf magic would be mistaken for Harry's under-age magic, so he must know that the Ministry can't tell the difference between the two. He also understood that casting magic would get Harry expelled from Hogwarts. Presumably Dobby knew it would not land Harry in Azkaban, I don't think Dobby would want Harry to go to jail.

These points indicate that house elves learn/are taught the Wizarding World's laws. Or perhaps they just have a very deep knowledge of all things that concern the houses they are enslaved to. After a short time serving at Hogwarts Dobby certainly has picked up a good knowledge of the building and its secrets, e.g. the Room of Requirement. I'm assuming that young house elves learn their trade from their parents or other elves in the household.

The house elves' language is quite basic, even Dobby's, who mixes with humans quite a bit. Presumably they learn speech from their parents, so they carry on the awkward phrasing which is very deferential. I don't think Dobby's limited speech is any indication of limited intelligence. He never uses 'I' but calls himself 'Dobby' always, and I think that must be part of their enslavement.

The house elves' language is quite basic, even Dobby's, who mixes with humans quite a bit. Presumably they learn speech from their parents, so they carry on the awkward phrasing which is very deferential. I don't think Dobby's limited speech is any indication of limited intelligence. He never uses 'I' but calls himself 'Dobby' always, and I think that must be part of their enslavement.

Good point, house elves are not meant to care out their own comfort and not encouraged to see themselves as individuals that put themselves first. So yes I think you could be right about the lack of use of 'I' by house elves and the link to enslavement.

Ok, I've asked the allmighty Alastor D and we are allowed to discuss the Cover Art as long as they are connected to the topic. :)

So I think that the UK Child cover (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/dhcovers/hp7childuk.jpg)fits in well in the topic.

For better details, I post here the extract in question.

So it's of course mere speculation, but one thing is sure that one houself is there behind Harry holding presumely Griffindors sword. From all elves we know, the most probable would be Dobby IMO. He always has shown to be more combative and very loyal to Harry. It would fit into his personality to join Harry on the quest, even help him finding horcruxes or protecting him. It wouldn't be the first time :)

(and I was VERY excited to see a houself with Gryffindors sword. GO ELVES! :D)

So I think that the UK Child cover (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/dhcovers/hp7childuk.jpg)fits in well in the topic.

For better details, I post here the extract in question.

So it's of course mere speculation, but one thing is sure that one houself is there behind Harry holding presumely Griffindors sword. From all elves we know, the most probable would be Dobby IMO. He always has shown to be more combative and very loyal to Harry. It would fit into his personality to join Harry on the quest, even help him finding horcruxes or protecting him. It wouldn't be the first time :)

(and I was VERY excited to see a houself with Gryffindors sword. GO ELVES! :D)


I think it's Dobby too, Kreacher with Gryffindor's sword would be plain weird, unless he just picked it up (like Winky did with Harry's wand in GoF) and wanted to know how it feels to wave a sword around... but that's unlikely. So yes it must be Dobby.

I like the idea of Dobby joining Harry, although it worries me a bit too, because who would look after Kreacher then? Because Kreacher is still not to be trusted and he knows a lot about Harry. So I always thought that Dobby would stay at Hogwarts and keep an eye on Kreacher. Not that Dobby always obeys Harry, so maybe he would sneak after him.

It could be that Dobby helps Harry with something that is inside Hogwarts Castle. That Harry doesn't bring the sword and Dobby with him on the horcrux hunt, but that this hunt leads him to Hogwarts. At Hogwarts Dobby comes to Harry's aid and maybe brings him the sword.

But I am glad that we know for sure now that a house elf will have some role to play!

Has anyone ever wondered what would happen if Dobby would come face to face with a member of the Malfoy family again?

Dobby has appeared in 2/3 of the books written thus far, and I'd hazard a guess that he won't be left out of Book 7 (which will make it 5/7). :D

Dobby is a bit of an odd house-elf, escaping enslavement to the Malfoy family and enjoying his freedom (to the seeming horror of the Hogwarts elves and Winky) though he didn't seem to welcome unemployment of any kind. He seems very willing to give allegiance and assistance to Harry, even though in CoS his 'assistance' wasn't very welcome. He also seems stoutly loyal to Albus when mentioning the Headmaster in GoF.

The topic is expected to evolve, but the following are some questions to ponder:

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?

I love Dobby, and all the houseelves that JKR has created. I think she has hinted to us throughout the books that elves have very strong old magic. How else can we explain how Dobby can apparate/disapparate at will even within Hogwarts? How he can defend Harry to Lucius? In CoS on page 338 when Dobby warns him with a "long threatening finger" and Malfoy "has no choice" but to leave. Interesting, once Dobby is free he can do magic (without a wand) and be a threat to Malfoy, who leaves without more confontation.

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?

I think his allegiance to Harry and Dumbledore is what makes Dobby so likable. It means that powerful magic is on their side. I have always thought that Dumbledore might have some Elf blood in him. JKR constantly describes elves as having long fingers she has also said the same when describing Dumbledore. They both can do magic without wands (example: HBP page 558 where DD feels the rock murmmuring words in a strange language). Now that we see what appears to be a houseelf on the cover of the UK version of DH I think we will see Dobby once again!

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?

I definitely think Dobby would be the leader if a revolt were to take place

4) Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission. Is Dobby particularly strong with elf-magic or is this indicative of house-elf abilities? Will his ability to over-ride wizarding magic be useful to Harry in Book 7?

Like I stated above, I think JKR has left us hints throughout the septology leading us to believe that elves have strong magic with a history that we dont know yet. Dumbledore has proven his allegiance to them as well by having the largest number of elves working at Hogwarts than any other establishment. I believe he has even offered pay if they would like (of course none but Dobby would take it).


Please remember that this is a discussion thread. All criticism should be constructive. You can say "Dobby made a mistake by doing such and such" but not "Dobby is a manipulative jerk". Posts that are considered bashing may be deleted by staff.

It will be exciting to finally find out all the unanswered questions regarding house elves in the final installment.

Ok, I've asked the allmighty Alastor D and we are allowed to discuss the Cover Art as long as they are connected to the topic. :)

So I think that the UK Child cover (http://www.mugglenet.com/viewer/?image_location=/dhcovers/hp7childuk.jpg)fits in well in the topic.

For better details, I post here the extract in question.

So it's of course mere speculation, but one thing is sure that one houself is there behind Harry holding presumely Griffindors sword. From all elves we know, the most probable would be Dobby IMO. He always has shown to be more combative and very loyal to Harry. It would fit into his personality to join Harry on the quest, even help him finding horcruxes or protecting him. It wouldn't be the first time :)

(and I was VERY excited to see a houself with Gryffindors sword. GO ELVES! :D)
It's strange though, that we don't see the house elf's face. But It can really only be Dobby. He would die for Harry Potter and I'm sure it would be Dobby who goes into battle with Harry, if any elf does.

Why do you think Dobby is hiding behind Harry? Dobby's magic is very strong and he doesn't need to use a wand either. I wonder if Harry is protecting him from the Malfoys, or from Voldemort. Since Dobby tried to save Harry from Lucius Malfoy's plot with the Diary during CoS, I think he must have come to the attention of Voldemort. A free house elf is a very rare thing, a very powerful creature. Would Dobby be a target for Voldemort? Or would Voldemort want Dobby on his side? Interesting ideas from this cover :)

Dobby has been treated badly from his family and desided to go against their will, their very clear orders and the tradition of the house elves. Doesn't that make him a traitor?... And then Kreacher, he is treated badly from Sirius, or at least he would be if the others weren't around. So he went away to his (in his own opinion rightfull) master, Bellatrix, who was at least a member of the Black family, while Dobby went to a total stranger ... Why does Dobby have a right to choose his master (cause he actually sees Harry as a master) and Kreacher doesn't? Why is Dobby a hero and Kreacher a traitor? If we admire Dobby for his courage to choose and express his oppinion, so we should do for Kreacher, although he is on the "bad" side.

Personally, I don't think a slave who is deprived of liberty and held to obedience by force, physical or magical, can have any ethical duty of loyalty to the "master" who treats him as a lesser being, a mere tool to be controlled and used. This is true even if the "master" acts "nice" -- let alone if the "master" is abusive like the Malfoys. A slave cannot be a traitor as a free person can, even though the "masters" in this world always try to convince the slaves that loyalty to the "masters" is a duty.

Dobby did not willingly elect to serve the Malfoys, so he is not a traitor, even though the enchantment he has labored under has forced him to punish himself as if he were one. I would agree that the same is true of Kreacher. He owed no ethical duty of obedience to Sirius, and Sirius made things no better by malteating him.

But that does not mean that the choices by Dobby and Kreacher are equivalent. Obedience and loyalty are not the only standards to judge their actions.

Kreacher deliberately injures Buckbeak and enjoys lying to Harry and getting Sirius killed. He doesn't want freedom; he wants a mistress who is notable for her cruelty.

But we don't see Dobby hurting and killing to gain his ends. We see Dobby act out of love for liberty, out of kindness and a desire to help others. He wants to help resist cruelty.

These are not mere differences of style or taste, they are fundamental ethical differences. Loyalty, therefore, is not the significant moral issue for them.

... Dobby has a very good idea of the rules of the wizarding world. He knew that his brand of house elf magic would be mistaken for Harry's under-age magic, so he must know that the Ministry can't tell the difference between the two. He also understood that casting magic would get Harry expelled from Hogwarts. Presumably Dobby knew it would not land Harry in Azkaban ...

We don't know how old Dobby is and what he has seen in his life, do we? He may know some more things useful to Harry yet.

It's strange though, that we don't see the house elf's face. But It can really only be Dobby. He would die for Harry Potter and I'm sure it would be Dobby who goes into battle with Harry, if any elf does.

Why do you think Dobby is hiding behind Harry? Dobby's magic is very strong and he doesn't need to use a wand either. I wonder if Harry is protecting him from the Malfoys, or from Voldemort. Since Dobby tried to save Harry from Lucius Malfoy's plot with the Diary during CoS, I think he must have come to the attention of Voldemort. A free house elf is a very rare thing, a very powerful creature. Would Dobby be a target for Voldemort? Or would Voldemort want Dobby on his side? Interesting ideas from this cover :)

I think the main reason why the house elf is hiding behind Harry is to keep his identity secret, although it can only be Dobby. But it still makes us wonder, it can't be Kreacher after all.

I don't think Voldemort would be interested in a house elf anymore, Kreacher served his purpose in OotP. But Dobby has proven that he has a strong will and is able to defy his masters. Only with the imperius curse it would be possible to use Dobby and we don't know if that works on house elves. It would cost too much effort to get Dobby.

Has anyone ever wondered what would happen if Dobby would come face to face with a member of the Malfoy family again? Well, he has seen Draco, allthough Draco hasn't seen him. I don't know why, but I guess Dobby would try to ignore them, unless they'd try to harm Harry (like Lucius in CoS).


Why do you think Dobby is hiding behind Harry? Dobby's magic is very strong and he doesn't need to use a wand either. I don't know if he's hiding. It could also look like the one who is protecting Harrys back (and that we don't see his face is because he's so small :lol: ) The position of the sword doesn't look like hiding, but more like fighting.



But that does not mean that the choices by Dobby and Kreacher are equivalent. Obedience and loyalty are not the only standards to judge their actions.

Kreacher deliberately injures Buckbeak and enjoys lying to Harry and getting Sirius killed. He doesn't want freedom; he wants a mistress who is notable for her cruelty.

But we don't see Dobby hurting and killing to gain his ends. We see Dobby act out of love for liberty, out of kindness and a desire to help others. He wants to help resist cruelty.

These are not mere differences of style or taste, they are fundamental ethical differences. Loyalty, therefore, is not the significant moral issue for them.
Well the similarity between them is that they both chose to do actions that go against their familys views and orders, and they are also the only elves who have done this so far in the books. The moral behind it is in the first place irrelevant, the important thing is that Dobby and Kreacher show that their own convictions are more important than the slave enchantment.

But of course I agree. Dobby has shown to be one of the good guys, he wants to help, to defeat evil and to fight for the good side.

One interesting aspect of Dobby, developed but not really used in the plot line, is his interest in arts-and-crafts. On various Christmases:

1) He knitted socks for Harry, one green with a pattern of broomsticks and one red with a pattern of snitches. He must be a very good knitter. He can turn heels and knit in tiny patterns of at least 2 colors. We don't know if he invented the pattern, but if so, that's even more complicated.

2) He decorated Christmas baubles with Harry's portrait, apparently recognizable. (Harry removed them.)

3) He painted a portrait of Harry that looked like, if I recall, a gibbon with two black eyes. All right, fine arts are not his forte, but he's interested.

This part of his personality has been used only for comic relief, and I'm wondering if the socks or the portrait will be important. I'm betting more heavily on the portrait because, if it were only the socks, then it would have been logical for JKR to show him knitting other things rather than branching out. Or maybe he will craft something else.

One interesting aspect of Dobby, developed but not really used in the plot line, is his interest in arts-and-crafts. On various Christmases:

1) He knitted socks for Harry, one green with a pattern of broomsticks and one red with a pattern of snitches. He must be a very good knitter. He can turn heels and knit in tiny patterns of at least 2 colors. We don't know if he invented the pattern, but if so, that's even more complicated.

2) He decorated Christmas baubles with Harry's portrait, apparently recognizable. (Harry removed them.)

3) He painted a portrait of Harry that looked like, if I recall, a gibbon with two black eyes. All right, fine arts are not his forte, but he's interested.

This part of his personality has been used only for comic relief, and I'm wondering if the socks or the portrait will be important. I'm betting more heavily on the portrait because, if it were only the socks, then it would have been logical for JKR to show him knitting other things rather than branching out. Or maybe he will craft something else.

I don't think that this will have any importance. But when you think about his love for socks I can't help thinking about Dumbledore. He seemed to like socks too.

I don't doubt that Dobby will play some role in book seven, the cover the DH UK edition makes that almost a certainty. I guess he will try to help Harry, but if that's with something he has made... I don't know. It's possible.

1) Dobby entered the storyline by coming as close to betraying his masters as he could--telling Harry about evil events to come to Hogwarts that year, though he didn't go into specifics (never even mentioned the diary, for instance). What does it say about his character that he was trying to aid Harry's survival when his 'family' likely preferred an outcome where Harry died? Has he reached the point, since Harry assigned him to tail Draco, where he could reveal Malfoy secrets or will he continue to experience conflict over that past requirement to keep the family secrets? Would he know anything useful if he could discuss the Malfoys?

He might know about DEs and hiding places. Or, maybe he knows a lot more than we think. It could impact Book 7 by a lot. I think he could reveal everything, but only if Harry makes sure he doesn't hurt himself after.

2) How has Dobby's character evolved through the series? He seems fiercely loyal to Harry (and even to Albus while the Headmaster was alive), what does that say about his character? Will that loyalty aid Harry in some way in Book 7?

He's loyal to those that treat him right and care for him. It might help Harry in DH, I could see a plot line on that.

3) Dobby is the odd-elf out by working at Hogwarts for money. How does that affect his relationship with other house-elves? Would they ever rally around him if the need arose to fight for their freedom? Would he be willing/able to lead such a revolt?

It means he is sort of an outcast, I think, and means they don't really like or wouldn't obey him if he told them to go free. I think he'd be able, but maybe not willing to lead a revolt.

4) Dobby was the first house-elf Harry met. He was able to intercept Harry's owl post, tip Harry off to dark happenings coming to Hogwarts, block the barrier at the wizard-created platform and direct a bludger (another enchanted-by-wizards object)--times he left Malfoy Manor without apparent permission. Is Dobby particularly strong with elf-magic or is this indicative of house-elf abilities? Will his ability to over-ride wizarding magic be useful to Harry in Book 7?

I think house-elves have different capacities than those of wizards, so they can put their own enchantments on objects that wizards already enchanted. House-elves could be used to override Voldemort, if it works well enough. I think all elves have about the same amount of magic, and Dobby might have a tiny bit more than average, but I don't think that matters too much.

This part of his personality has been used only for comic relief, and I'm wondering if the socks or the portrait will be important. I'm betting more heavily on the portrait because, if it were only the socks, then it would have been logical for JKR to show him knitting other things rather than branching out. Or maybe he will craft something else.

I think it will be the socks. JKR has a thing with portraying socks. Dumbledore is also fond of woolen socks. Remember what he saw in the Mirror of Erised? Dobby was freed by a sock, has been given socks for christmas and like you mentioned has knitted Harry some very interesting socks which he wore to some event(cant remember off hand) where mad eye moody comments on them. I do not think we have seen the end of Dobby or his facination with socks:lol:

I've been thinking about why Dobby feels such a bond with Harry. I wonder if it is because at one time he was James's family's servant. Sounds crazy but hear me out...
When Sirius was showing Harry the Black family tree, and was explaining that all pure blood families are related somewhere, Harry noticed that there was a Potter way back on the tree. (BUT no Malfoys were mentioned until Lucius married Cissy.) We have been told that a house elf gets passed down to the oldest living blood reletive. Upon James's death, would that mean that IF Dobby was the Potters house elf he would have been passed down to Bella, and once Bella was sent away, he was passed onto Cissy. Dobby would be forced into obeying lucius because Malfoy was now the 'family' name, and he was magically bound to do so. Yet he is able to defy the Malfoys to help Harry. Could this be, because he is or was originally bound to the Potter name? Right from the first instance he met Harry, he claimed 'he knew he would be a kind and caring person' (paraphrased) Could it be because he KNEW the senior Potters to be good kind people, because of the way he was treated (with some respect maybe?) when in their employ. I'm probably really reaching here, but Dobby is different in comparison to the other elves, and I was just playing around with what could cause his unique behavior.
Any thoughts???

I've been thinking about why Dobby feels such a bond with Harry. I wonder if it is because at one time he was James's family's servant. Sounds crazy but hear me out...
When Sirius was showing Harry the Black family tree, and was explaining that all pure blood families are related somewhere, Harry noticed that there was a Potter way back on the tree. (BUT no Malfoys were mentioned until Lucius married Cissy.) We have been told that a house elf gets passed down to the oldest living blood reletive. Upon James's death, would that mean that IF Dobby was the Potters house elf he would have been passed down to Bella, and once Bella was sent away, he was passed onto Cissy. Dobby would be forced into obeying lucius because Malfoy was now the 'family' name, and he was magically bound to do so. Yet he is able to defy the Malfoys to help Harry. Could this be, because he is or was originally bound to the Potter name? Right from the first instance he met Harry, he claimed 'he knew he would be a kind and caring person' (paraphrased) Could it be because he KNEW the senior Potters to be good kind people, because of the way he was treated (with some respect maybe?) when in their employ. I'm probably really reaching here, but Dobby is different in comparison to the other elves, and I was just playing around with what could cause his unique behavior.
Any thoughts???
It's an interesting theory but I personally think it's much simpler: Dobby made a choice. He was against Voldemort, and wanted to fight Voldemort. He admired Harry who has caused Voldemorts downfall once, because under Voldemorts time houselves were treated very badly.
He did not like his family because they support Voldemort and therefore the bad treatment of the houselves. I don't think that Dobby needed an inherited loyalty to chose to support Harry instead of the Malfoys. For me it fits Dobbys character of a rebel, and also the choice theme in the books, that your personal choices are what matter, above blood status or slavery status. :)

I think that Dobby respects Harry as the defeater of LV and the way in which Harry secured his freedom. Dobby could obey anyone but he chooses to obey Harry because of their history.

I think Dobby is a great character and does always provide a bit of comic relif. His loyalty to Harry is certainly unwavering and I think he will play a key part in DH. Especially if that is him on Harry's back in the UK cover art.