Dobby Quits

A One Shot by Dr. Joe

Dobby shuffled his stack of bright orange napkins. Little feet pacing around the small Dishy-Dish-Deployment-Room-2, hands tracing the dark walnut walls unconsciously. An ever-so-soft pop marked the arrival of Little Master's favorite chocolate-runaway. Dobby's job was to look out the Elf-hole and make sure the Little Master got his dessert at precisely the right moment, but he couldn't care less right now. Peering through the Elf-hole into Dining Room 5 one last time, Dobby straightened his rag-toga and apparated down.

With a loud crack Dobby appeared in the dining room and marched up to the Bad Master. The Master opened his mouth to speak, but Dobby didn't let him.

"Dobby be's quitting."

All three Malloy's stared at him, seemingly at a loss for words.

"Elves can't quit! Right Father? Elves are slaves, they don't get to quit!"

"Dobby's doesn't care if he be's allowed to quit, Dobby quits." He set the stack of orange napkins at the head of the table. On each napkin was a neatly sewn paragraph detailing his resignation. Dobby didn't know how to write, but he could stitch quite good.

"This be's my 2 weeks."

"Enough," The Bad Master started. "Cease this at once, and go insert your ear in the toaster."

"No."

"Father! Elves aren't allowed to say no!"

—

Dobby's head was too small for the old hat, so the rim fell over his shoulders to his elbows.

Remarkable! The courage you have young elf! The bravery it takes to rebel against your oppressors and fight for your freedom! My word! You would do well in Gryffindor...but...no, no... I see something more in you. You could grow truly great. No, better be...

"SLYTHERIN!"

There was an eerie silence, and the hat was lifted off his shoulders. Professor McGonigal gave him a sideways look, but he ignored it and looked out at the hall. A couple Gryffindors started laughing—No surprise they got the House Elf, Slytherin's are only good for cleaning shoes!—but Dobby ignored them.

A devious, evil smile stretched across his grey lips.

Truly great. Dobby can be working with that.