Hey to my lovely readers! I'm baaaack! This is my round 3 Quidditch League story, for Arrows captain :) Our prompts were based off gothic literature, and captains were given the most gothic of all, Frankenstein. Our task is to write about an action or event that has major consequences. I think I found an intriguing way to do this, so let's go!
Word Count: 1003
Betas: Ikuni, Cynthia
Extra note: I had a hard time deciding how to write Dobby. I eventually decided to write like I normally do, but have Dobby's speech and thoughts be like we know elves in the books to speak.
Dobby considered himself a good house elf. Despite his often cruel masters, he tried his best to find solace in his work routine. Dishes, dusting, gardening, and everything in between all fell into his domain. He despised his masters, the Malfoys, and hoped one day to be free of them, but he often found the work comforting, if not enjoyable. It was easy to lose himself while he did the dishes or made the beds.
He was cleaning one of the Malfoy family's fireplaces when he heard his Master storm into the room. He knew that when Lucius Malfoy was in that sort of mood, it was best to stay out of the way. The other elves would never have been so bold as to say so, but it was nearly universally agreed upon.
"Idiot boy," he heard Lucius mutter in annoyance. Dobby heard a much more tentative set of footprints approach. Draco Malfoy knocked on the door frame. As he entered, Dobby could sense the boy's apprehension.
"You asked for me, Father?" The boy lingered just outside the door, waiting for acknowledgement.
Lucius looked up at the knock. "Yes, I'm here. Took you long enough." He motioned for Draco to properly enter the room, which he did, making his way over to stand next to the chair his father was in.
"I was finishing some schoolwork," Draco started. "For…"
"I don't care about that," Lucius growled at his son. "I want to give you a warning. There will be someone at Hogwarts this year that will be taking the matter of blood purity into their own hands. I myself will set the plans in motion, but it may be a while before things start to happen."
Draco looked uncertainly at his father as he said, "Father… I know this is a good thing, but why are you telling me?"
Dobby could tell that it took all of Lucius' willpower to keep from rolling his eyes. Apparently, whatever it was, it was obvious. "Because you need to be smart, boy. As a Slytherin from a family known to uphold the Pureblood values, you will be suspected. You need to keep visible, keep your nose clean so that doesn't happen."
"What is going to happen?"
"You know of the tale of the Chamber of Secrets?" Lucius asked.
Draco nodded. "You've told it to me since I can remember, Father. So, the Heir…" He trailed off hesitantly.
"They will do their work. You will stay out of their way, keep your reputation clear, and let the Heir get on with their work. With any luck, we will have fewer Mudbloods by the time this is done. As long as that Potter brat doesn't get involved."
Dobby knew he should stop listening, but there was no opportunity to escape. Dobby will have to punish himself. Dobby hated his punishments, but being a House Elf, he was bound by the magic of his race to obey his Master and their family.
The mention of Harry Potter had him worried. He knew from listening to Draco's conversations that The-Boy-Who-Lived was at school. If he was to be involved, possibly getting himself hurt… Dobby didn't want that to happen. Even elves knew of what had happened the night Harry Potter had been orphaned. He was a force and rally for good. He had to survive.
As the Malfoy's continued their conversation, Dobby finally thought he had an opportunity to leave. They would never notice him, they rarely did. Quickly, he began to move. Unfortunately, he miscalculated, and was caught just at the door.
"Dobby!" Lucius bellowed. "What are you doing?"
"Dobby is cleaning, Master Lucius," Dobby answered tremulously.
Lucius narrowed his eyes at the little elf, seeming to try and determine how much he had heard. "Were you listening to us just now?"
Dobby wished he could lie. Unfortunately, that was another rule of his race- they could not lie to their masters. "Dobby heard some, sir. Dobby apologizes-"
"You are forbidden to tell anyone what is to happen," Lucius snapped. "Now, get on with your work."
Dobby quickly fled the room, mind racing. What is Dobby to do?! He couldn't allow what they were planning to happen. People would be hurt- Harry Potter would be hurt. And Dobby had been specifically forbidden from telling anyone anything.
But has he? Dobby considered again. What if he didn't say anything specific? What if he just gave a warning of general danger to Harry Potter? He would certainly have to punish himself- he felt the familiar twinge in his stomach that precursed the compulsion to do so- but he didn't feel that he would specifically be violating the order he'd been given.
Was there a way to avoid punishment entirely? To make the aforementioned plan a last ditch effort? What if he simply made Harry not want to return to Hogwarts? Feel abandoned by friends and isolated from magic?
Dobby will steal his letters!
Several weeks later, Dobby continued to intercept any letters to or from Harry. Out of curiosity more than anything, he read a couple of them. Harry's friends were getting worried at the lack of response. This made Dobby upset, but he reminded himself that it would all be worth it when Harry was safe.
Harry's own letters had grown increasingly infrequent, perhaps as a result of growing weary of no response. He still seemed determined to return to school, though, as evidenced in one letter.
Why aren't you responding to my letters? I guess it doesn't matter, I'll see you on the train in a couple of weeks, anyway…
Dobby knew that soon he would have to do something more drastic. Something that would certainly keep him at his home for the immediate future, at least.
Dobby recalled that Harry's relatives were particularly against magic. Perhaps if he made it look like Harry had done magic, that would make them keep him home? It was a long shot, admittedly, but worth it.
Harry Potter must be safe.