A/N: This was written for a homework assignment on the Hogwarts Online forum. The prompt was: Dobby, freedom, house-elf, and master. I don't own anything.
Freedom
The ceiling shakes above me as my Master pace the floor of his study, knocking over anything in his way. I shrink back a little. Even though we're separated by the hard wood floor (ceiling, in my case), my heart pounds and I begin to panic. My hands tremble, violently as I recall nights so much like this. Nights when my blood stained this dungeon floor.
When his life is too stressful to bear, he relieves some of the pain, by transferring it to me. Crucio! That's the last word I hear before I'm plunged into unbearable pain. As I scream, he laughs. He relishes in the torment he is forcing me to endure.
When these thoughts come, I push them away. I mustn't think ill of my Master. He is my Master, and therefore I should be worshipping him, not wallowing of his treatment of me. What am I to him? I'm nothing but a house-elf. And if nothing else, house-elves respect their Masters.
That is the life I lead. That is my destiny. What does it mean to be a house-elf? It means to honor the wishes of another, and live the life that someone else wants you to lead. Is this fair? No. Do I enjoy never getting to have an opinion? No. But, it's the way things are.
Sometimes, I dream of being free. What would it be like, to be able to decide for myself? I could have money, wear clothes, and maybe, even, have….friends? I could be my own person. I wouldn't be a faithful servant to the Malfoys. I wouldn't be scum. I wouldn't be a stupid house-elf. I'd just be, Dobby.
I hear Master screaming for me. I guess I must go. I grimace as I trudge up the cool, concrete steps that lead out of the dungeon where I sleep. Master wants me. I take a deep breathe, and brace myself for the pain to come.
As the night ends, and trickles of blinding sunlight begin to trickle in like the feathers of a golden bird, my torment-filled screams echo through the house and red blood stains my hands. I cry out, knowing that no one can hear me. As my mind fades into darkness, I whisper a hopeful mantra over and over. Freedom, freedom, freedom… I slip into unconsciousness, hoping for the best.