Chapter 1: Memories

Harry Potter sat in his room at the Dursleys' house. The room that had once been his refuge now seemed cramped and impersonal. The walls, painted in a pale beige color, seemed to have drained all the joy from the air. Books, parchment, and quills were scattered on the table, while an open suitcase lay half-packed on the bed. There were only a few weeks left until the start of the school year, but Harry didn't feel the usual excitement.

He sat on the edge of the bed, holding an old photograph in his hands. In it were Harry himself, Ron, Hermione, and... Dobby. The elf with big eyes and a smile that reached his ears stood proudly in the center, showing off his colorful socks. Harry couldn't help but smile as he looked at the picture. He lingered on the elf's smile, remembering how Dobby was always ready to help, how his eyes lit up when he talked about freedom, and how sincerely happy he was every time they met.

"You're my true friend," Harry whispered, feeling a lump form in his throat.

The moon outside shone so brightly that its light pierced through the thin curtains, casting soft silvery glows on the floor. Harry put the photograph on the table and approached the window. The night was quiet, almost unnaturally calm. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear the neighbor's dog barking, but even that sound seemed muffled, as if it came from another world.

Harry leaned his forehead against the cool glass. He stared at the moon, trying to ease the heaviness in his chest. In moments like these, he felt especially acutely how much he missed his friends... and especially Dobby.

"If you were here," Harry whispered, looking at the moon, "you would definitely find a way to cheer me up."

Harry smiled, closed his eyes, and let memories take him back to that warm summer day at Hogwarts. They were in the castle kitchen where house-elves prepared magical treats. Dobby, as always, was at the center of attention. He wore his favorite socks and a cap that slid slightly to one side. He proudly demonstrated his new culinary skills to Harry.

"Harry Potter must try this!" Dobby exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement and pride. He carefully brought a plate to Harry, on which lay perfectly baked muffins, still warm and emitting a sweet aroma. "Dobby made them himself! Especially for Harry Potter!"

Harry felt his heart fill with warmth. He saw how Dobby tried hard, how his small hands trembled with excitement as he held the plate. The elf looked at him with such anticipation that Harry couldn't help but smile.

"Thank you, Dobby," he said softly, taking a muffin. His fingers gently touched Dobby's hand, and he felt the elf freeze with happiness.

Harry took a bite, and his taste buds instantly came alive. The muffin was perfect—sweet but not cloying, with a hint of vanilla that enveloped him like a warm blanket. He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the moment.

"Dobby, this… is incredible," Harry whispered, opening his eyes and looking at the elf. "You're a real wizard in the kitchen."

Dobby laughed, his ears joyfully twitching, and his cheeks flushed pink from the compliment.

"Dobby is so happy that Harry Potter likes it!" he exclaimed, jumping in place. "Dobby will cook for Harry Potter always!"

Harry felt his heart tighten with tenderness. He placed his hand on Dobby's shoulder, trying to convey all his gratitude. At that moment, he realized how much he valued this little elf and his selfless loyalty. Dobby looked at Harry with his radiant eyes, and in them, there was such devotion and love that Harry momentarily lost his voice.

"For Harry Potter, Dobby will do everything," the elf quietly said, and sincerity rang in his voice.

Harry sat on the edge of the bed in his room, still feeling the sweet taste of the muffin on his lips. The memory of Dobby was so vivid and stirring that it came to life with each breath. He looked again at the photo and smiled, but sadness flickered in his eyes.

"You always knew how to make me happy," Harry whispered, looking at Dobby's image. "Why didn't I tell you more? Why didn't I say how much you mean to me?"

He closed his eyes, trying to suppress the overwhelming emotions. Memories of Dobby always evoked a mix of joy and a heavy feeling in his chest. Harry sighed; perhaps he couldn't change the past, but he felt that ahead of them lay a promising future.

"I miss you, Dobby," Harry whispered, his voice barely audible, but filled with deep sorrow, as if part of his soul remained empty without the presence of the little elf.

Suddenly, a familiar crack sounded, and the air in the room seemed to compress. Harry turned sharply, his heart beating faster.

"Dobby?" he whispered, unable to believe his eyes, afraid that it was just an illusion born of his longing.

In the center of the room stood a small house-elf. His large, moon-like eyes shone like stars, and on his feet were bright socks, as colorful as the memories of their past adventures. On his head was the cap that Harry had given him many years ago—a symbol of their friendship that seemed never to fade.

"Harry Potter!" Dobby exclaimed, his voice trembling with happiness, as if he carried all the joy in the world. "Dobby heard that Harry Potter misses him! Dobby came!"

Harry couldn't hold back his smile, which illuminated his face like the sun after a long night. He knelt down to be at eye level with the elf, to feel his closeness, his warmth.

"Dobby, how did you know?" Harry asked, still unable to believe it was real, that his friend was back, right beside him.

Dobby fidgeted, his ears joyfully twitching, like butterfly wings.

"Dobby always feels when Harry Potter needs a friend!" he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, as if their connection was something greater.

"Thank you, Dobby. You can't imagine how glad I am to see you," Harry whispered, his voice filled with tenderness that he rarely allowed himself to show.

Dobby smiled even wider, his eyes glowing even brighter.

"Dobby is also glad! Harry Potter is the greatest wizard Dobby knows!"

Harry laughed, feeling warmth spread through his chest. He reached out and gently placed his hand on Dobby's shoulder, feeling the soft fabric of his clothes under his fingers. This simple touch strengthened their bond, and Harry realized that no distance or obstacle could separate them. They sat on the bed, and Dobby began telling about his life—he now worked at Hogwarts.

"Dobby helps Professor Dumbledore with a secret mission," the elf proudly announced, his eyes shining like two tiny lanterns. "Sometimes Dobby delivers letters, sometimes he guards… No, Dobby shouldn't talk about that!" he suddenly exclaimed, slapping his ears as if punishing himself for almost letting the word slip.

Harry smiled, but curiosity sparkled in his eyes. It was amazing to see Dobby, once bound by chains, now become an important part of the school he loved so much.

"Dobby, you know you can trust me," Harry said softly, leaning a little closer. "I'm your friend!"

Dobby fidgeted, his big eyes darting from side to side, as if he were struggling with himself.

"Dobby knows that Harry Potter is the most loyal friend," he whispered, lowering his voice to a barely audible whisper. "But Professor Dumbledore said it's secret. Even for Harry Potter."

Harry nodded, trying not to show his disappointment.

"I understand, Dobby. You're right, it's not worth breaking the professor's trust. But know that if you ever need help, I'll always be ready to support you."

Dobby looked at Harry, and his eyes filled with gratitude. They continued to sit in silence, but it was a silence filled with warmth and light. Harry suddenly realized how much he wanted this moment to last forever, how he wanted the enveloping warmth of friendship never to fade in the daily hustle. The moment froze between them, and their gazes met. In this silence, he saw something more in Dobby's eyes—understanding, support, and the strong thread that connected them despite their differences. A feeling of tenderness stirred in his heart, inspiring a desire to protect and cherish this friendship from any adversity.

"Dobby," Harry whispered, "do you know what you mean to me?"

Dobby smiled, his eyes glowing even brighter.

"Dobby knows. And Harry Potter means a lot to Dobby too."

"Thank you for being there, Dobby," Harry whispered, his voice filled with all the love and gratitude he felt.

Dobby smiled even wider, his eyes shining like stars.

"Dobby will always be near, Harry Potter. Always," he said, turning to Harry with a joyful smile reflecting affection and attachment.

These simple words, spoken with such sincerity, blossomed in the air. They both knew that despite the obstacles, their true bond would never fade. They felt that their friendship—this was something deeper than just a connection. It was something profound and genuine, a support that would guide them through all the trials and joys of life. Harry reached out and hugged Dobby, feeling their friendship, their bond, growing stronger.

Dobby smiled in return, but a shadow of sadness flashed in his eyes.

"Dobby has to go," he said softly. "But Dobby will always be nearby if Harry Potter needs him."

Harry nodded.

"Thank you, Dobby. You always know how to lift my spirits."

The elf stepped back.

"Goodbye, Harry Potter."

There was a crack, and Dobby disappeared. Harry remained sitting on the bed, staring at the empty spot where his friend had just stood.

"Goodbye, Dobby," he whispered.