A young man shuffled up the corridor in which it contained the painting that, when tickled, opened to the bustling kitchen, which was run by one-hundred or so house-elves.
Having two younger brothers who came to this painting on more than one occasion, he knew exactly where that soft spot was, and he only delayed actually touching the painting once or twice due to his nervous stomach almost causing him to hurl.
He did, eventually, tickle that pear and, with a larger stride and a bit more confidence, he headed up the stairs, not to sure where he was going until he heard his sister's name coming from the one to his left.
"Look, Winky, from Harry Potter!" Dobby said, grabbing the letter with his small, gruby hands with little care.
"Well, read it!" Winky incouraged, her voice squeaking. Dobby now carefully unsealed it and began to read aloud:
'Dear Dobby,
How are you? Congratulations on your engagement, I'm so happy for you!
However, there is a problem with Hermione, Ron, and me attending, I hope you understand.
Listen, who is Professor Edgurg? Why did Ginny want you to follow him? Please tell me, and I forbid you to hurt yourself if you can.
Congrats again, and have fun you two,
Harry.'
Dobby set the letter down, his face falling surpassingly fast considering how upbeat it had been a few minutes ago. Winky took his hand and began another round of their squeezing game.
Dobby smiled at her squeeze and was thankful for her not questioning or opinionating Harry's letter. Once again, Dobby never let go of his strong friendship with the famous boy, but at times it was exceedingly trying to do so.
After a few minutes, Winky asked, "Dobby, what are you thinking about?" Dobby glanced up from their grasped hands.
"Oh, just how many more days until our wedding." Winky grinned, pleased again with her Dobby.
"Only three, Dobby."
"Yep, only three."
Winky paused for a moment. "Hey, Dobby, do you think Ginny will come?"
Dobby nodded, "Yes, I think she will. I hope so, she's funny. Almost as much as the twins."
Winky smiled, "Yes, I like the twins. Say, when are you going to write Ginny back?"
And with that, the door flew open, the young man brandishing his wand in front of him as if he wasn't shaking.
By impulse, Winky and Dobby held each other tight, enlarging their squeezing game from nervous hands to trembling bodies.
"What do you want?" Dobby bravely ventured, his body shaking far less than Winky's. He held her tight as the man swiped the glazey sweat off of his forehead.
"I'm, I'm sorry. I-I have to do, to do this." He said, his lethal wand coming closer as he walked in and slammed the door. Winky went into a fit of shivers, but not because it was cold.
"Do what?" Dobby asked, not really because he wanted the answer, but for the time it might buy for the both of them.
The man stopped walking towards them, and glanced at the bouquets of flowers resting on the tiny writing desk. "What are these?" He asked, his eyes wide and terrifying to the two elves.
This time it was Winky who answered, "Fl-Flowers for the w-wedding." Dobby held her tighter as a tear slipped out of his large, proud eyes. Winky, his Winky, was being brave!
The man stopped in his tracks, his breathing hitching in his throat. What? No, no, no, NO! I can't, they can't, how..how am I supposed to kill them, when I know how happy they feel, knowing who they love? NO! I refuse to do it!
"NO!" the man yelled, and ran back out of the room, his pulsing brain calculating how much time it would take to pack his suitcase.
Winky and Dobby sat for a moment, shocked. Then Winky burst into tears in Dobby's arm.
"He came so close!" she sobbed as Dobby rubbed her back caringly.
"I know, I know," he eased.
"And, and, when he stopped breathing,"
"It's okay, it's okay."
She broke apart slowly, looking at Dobby. He had been scared too. "Dobby, I'll write to Ginny and you go to McGonagall's."
He nodded, and hugged her tightly again before getting up. "Good idea."