All the reasons why Dobby’s death still makes us cry
Guys, it’s the five-year anniversary of the U.S. premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. I know, I know — where has the time gone?! It seems like only yesterday that we were packed into theaters, wands in hand and lightning-bolt scars drawn on our foreheads, waiting with bated breath to see the beginning of the end on the big screen.
But it has indeed been five years, and we must take this anniversary to revisit something important, something difficult and painful, that we’re still grieving about five years later (or nine years later, when you consider the last book was released in 2007). What’s that, you ask? Well it’s the death of Dobby. It’s been half a decade since we cried over the loss of Dobby on the big screen, and it’s still a scene that gets us all every. Single. Time.
Here are all the reasons why we’re still grieving the loss of our beloved Dobby.
His strength
Dobby may not have seemed like the strongest character when we first met him. After all, he was a tiny, fragile house elf with big, wide eyes who seemed to be perpetually quivering. But Dobby’s determination and independence when he was freed, against all odds? That’s something we’ll forever admire. When he stands up to Bellatrix and shouts, “Dobby has no master!” — that’s a moment that will forever send chills down our spines.
His undying loyalty
There has never been a man or elf more loyal than Dobby. He would do anything for Harry, including taking a beating from his (former) masters. Even if some of his efforts in the name of loyalty were questionable (rogue Bludger, anyone?), absolutely no amount of physical or emotional pain would stop him from doing what’s right and protecting Harry. . . a quality he proved true time and time again until the heartbreaking end.
His sense of humor even during the darkest of times
Even through it all, in the midst of life-threatening danger, Dobby wasn’t afraid to be totally sassy. Like the time he responded to Bellatrix — you know, one of the most insane, cruel witches in the wizarding world — with “Dobby never meant to kill! Dobby only meant to maim, or seriously injure.” Oh, Dobby.
His kind, unbelievably polite nature at all times
Even after Dobby was freed, he treated everyone he respected with the utmost reverence — like calling Ron “Master Weasley.” Dobby assumed everyone deserved kindness and as long as you didn’t prove a threat to anyone he loved, well then he treated you with that kindness until the very end.
He’s the best friend anyone could ever have
“Such a beautiful place it is, to be with friends. Dobby is happy to be with his friend, Harry Potter.” Dobby used his last, dying breath to express his true appreciation and love for his friends. That’s because, for Dobby, friendship is the ultimate priority — forever. When you had Dobby as a friend, you had a tiny-yet-mighty soldier on your side.
He represents everything good in the world
As MuggleNet blogger mnblogger noted, Dobby’s loyal, pure goodness was why we all loved him so much. And his death, although tragic, had to happen; it was representative of the fact that as long as evil exists in the world, even the most innocent and pure are not immune to its power.
Dobby sacrificed his life for the good of the world, and he didn’t once waver, despite the risk. He was ready to give it all to save the world from Voldemort. And ultimately, he did give it all. Rest in peace, Dobby, a free elf. <3
Related reading:
These are the most devastating deaths in the ‘Harry Potter’ series
Potterheads are doing their part to free Dobby at the ‘Harry Potter’ tour in London
(Images via Warner Bros.)
