Harry, believing in his own strength, never considers any real danger awaits at Hogwarts, at least nothing serious enough to compel him to remain at the Dursleys.

A House-elf wants to prevent his return to Hogwarts, nominally for Harry's own protection, though no specific information is provided as to what peril could be there. Harry is once again manipulated by forces he is unable to control. Three days later, a rattling on the window bars awakens Harry in the moonlight, Harry sees Ron Weasley peering in at him. Uncle Vernon locks Harry into his bedroom and bars the window, now knowing he is unable to use magic to escape. The Ministry didn't know a house-elf was there, so they warned Harry because he was the only magical person in Privet Drive. Any further magic on Harry's part while away from school may be grounds for permanent expulsion from Hogwarts. The owl-borne letter is from Mafalda Hopkirk, an official at the Ministry of Magic, stating that Harry has violated the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery. Mason becomes frightened and runs out of the house, dashing Uncle Vernon's hopes for a lucrative business deal. However, when a messenger owl arrives, Mrs. The Dursleys blame Harry, and Uncle Vernon attempts to pacify the Masons, telling them his nephew is slightly disturbed. When Harry refuses his demand to stay away from Hogwarts, Dobby drops the cake, splattering cream over Petunia's spotless kitchen before vanishing. Dobby levitates Aunt Petunia's cake with a Hover Charm. When Harry asks how Dobby knew that, Dobby admits having intercepted Harry's letters hoping Harry would think his friends no longer cared about him, and so would not return to school.įurious, Harry chases Dobby downstairs, where the Dursleys are dining with the Masons. When Harry ignores his warning, Dobby taunts him about his friends not writing to him all summer. Dobby is once again unable to provide more details. He also punishes himself for speaking badly about his masters and for leaving his home without permission, which he did to deliver a dire warning: Harry Potter must not return to Hogwarts because terrible events will happen at the school. Dobby is unable to reveal the Wizarding family that owns him, and hits himself uncontrollably each time he tries. Harry realizes that the mysterious pair of eyes in the hedge had belonged to the elf.

He introduces himself as Dobby, a House-elf.

The strange, small creature on Harry's bed has large, green eyes, pointy ears, and is wearing a ragged pillowcase. Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Dobby off of harry potter