Original artwork, not a still
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets · 1998
Dobby is free.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Dobby has spent the book trying to save Harry while tied to the family that abuses him, so this is the joy of a lifetime packed into three words. It also shows that Harry's cleverness and kindness work together: he frees an enslaved elf with one grubby sock. It made Dobby the most beloved elf in the series and set up Hermione's later campaign for elf rights. Years later Harry leaves a new pair of socks at Dobby's grave each time he visits.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsShow the scene
At the end of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998), in the chapter called Dobby's Reward, Harry has just destroyed Tom Riddle's diary and learned that Lucius Malfoy planted it in Ginny's school things. Knowing a house-elf is freed when his master gives him clothes, Harry slips one of his own socks into the ruined diary and hands it back to Lucius. Lucius pulls the sock out in disgust and throws it aside, and Dobby catches it. Dobby, now holding clothing given by his master, announces his freedom.
Sources (2)
- Harry Potter Wiki: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secretsplot summary, Chapter 18: Dobby's RewardReference checked
- Harry Potter Wiki: DobbyChamber of Secrets sectionReference checked
Context reviewed
