Harry Potter: Dobby’s 10 Best Quotes

Dobby the house-elf is one of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter franchise. While he doesn’t appear in the films quite as much as he does in the books, he still managed to stand out and often does so for the amazing quotes that he has in the movies.

Almost everything that he says is golden and ranges from the inspiringly powerful and darkly comedic to the incredibly tragic, and each quote has remained memorable to viewers. However, these manage to stand out amongst the rest.

When Dobby Can’t Handle Harry’s Kindness

“Dobby Has Heard Of Your Greatness, Sir, But Never Has He Been Asked To Sit Down By A Wizard! Like An Equal.” – Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Being a house-elf of a Death Eater, Dobby has had a horrible time during his life of servitude. So when he meets Harry Potter for the first time and Harry offers him a seat, Dobby starts crying from shock.

It’s absurd how little kindness it takes for Dobby to start crying, so here the audience is made aware of the position of house-elves in society. It also marks Harry’s greatness as more than just what happened to him as a baby, as his compassion for others is what drives him to save the wizarding world.

When He Was Only Trying To Help

“Dobby Only Wants Harry Potter To Be Safe.” – Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Throughout his first film appearance, Dobby proves to be somewhat of an annoyance to Harry Potter. He creates a slew of problems that either get Harry in massive trouble or result in actual injury. In a way, Dobby is an antagonist in the film and even acts like somewhat of a jerk.

But audiences can’t help but sympathize with Dobby due to this quote, which he speaks forlornly. Dobby isn’t malicious, in fact, he is only acting in such a destructive way because he cares about Harry Potter and wants to do the right thing.

When He Punished Himself

“Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!” – Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

This quote is definitely one of Dobby’s most well-known catchphrases. He yells it whenever he does something he assumes he shouldn’t have, and then attempts to bang his head on any surface he can find. While it takes the audience by surprise, at first, it becomes both humorous and tragic to watch.

It’s just chaotic enough to make Dobby appear a comedic character, while also showing the tragic situation that house-elves are in, constantly feeling that they need to obey their master and punish themselves for any defiance.

When He Warns Harry That He Musn’t Stay At Hogwarts

“Terrible Things Are About To Happen At Hogwarts. Harry Potter Must Not Stay Here, Now That History Is To Repeat Itself.” – Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is one of the franchise’s scariest movies, and it’s filled with suspense and foreboding. Dobby is the first to create this atmosphere when he warns Harry that he must not stay at Hogwarts because of terrible things to come. He then tries to get Harry kicked out of Hogwarts multiple times throughout the year, which he justifies by his fear that Harry is in danger.

Dobby’s hint of history repeating itself also creates great tension and further mystery that drives the plot forward. It builds suspense around all of the characters, both the victims and the suspects.

When He Isn’t Bothered By Death Threats

“Dobby Is Used To Death Threats, Sir. Dobby Gets Them Five Times A Day At Home.” – Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Dobby is a great character because he manages to be tragic and funny at the same time. This quote is a perfect example of that. When Harry threatens Dobby over trying to get him kicked out of Hogwarts for the umpteenth time, Dobby simply shrugs it off.

It is tragic because viewers can only wonder how much abuse the house-elf must be taking in order to not be bothered by death threats, but simultaneously the nonchalance with which he says the quote can’t help but elicit a laugh. The quote also hints at Dobby’s bravery, as he is able to withstand any dangerous threat when he is trying to do the right thing.

When Harry Gives Him A Sock And Frees Him

“Master Has Given Dobby A Sock. Master Has Presented Dobby With Clothes! Dobby Is Free!” – Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

This is the quote that has been memed countless times in the 20 years that the film has been out. In the movie, Dobby is still enslaved by the Malfoy family. But if a house-elf is presented with clothes, they are freed. Harry tricks Malfoy into freeing Dobby, by hiding a sock in a book, and fans get this great quote.

It’s a lovely moment for Dobby, as all of the torment that the house-elf has had to endure is now over. It also shows how much Harry cares about Dobby, and since he spends the majority of the movie being annoyed by him, it marks a significant amount of growth.

When He Was So Brave

“Dobby Has No Master. Dobby Is A Free Elf, And Dobby Has Come To Save Harry Potter And His Friends!” – Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Between the second and seventh movie, film fans may have missed Dobby in a way that book fans haven’t, so when he shows up to save the Golden Trio from the Death Eaters, it’s a wonderous surprise. The Death Eaters and the Malfoys are shocked at his appearance, with Bellatrix yelling, “How dare you defy your masters!”

But Dobby stands proudly and gives the quote which will no doubt have viewers cheering for him, as with it he proclaims his freedom, bravery, and strength. Considering that this is one of the last things that Dobby says, it’s definitely a way to go out on a high.

When He Shows How Much He Has Grown

“Sir? I Like Her Very Much.” – Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

When Dobby is helping prisoners of the Death Eaters escape, this includes Luna Lovegood, and she says to him, “Whenever you’re ready, Sir.” This prompts delight from Dobby and the aforementioned quote. It’s a funny line that adds some humor to the tense situation that they’re in, and also marks how much Dobby has grown because, while he used to consistently hate and punish himself, he now appreciates it when people show him respect.

Furthermore, Luna Lovegood is considered by many to be one of the best characters in the Harry Potter movies, so when Dobby delivers this line, it’s one of his best quotes.

When He Didn’t Mean To Kill

“Dobby Never Meant To Kill! Dobby Only Meant To Maim, Or Seriously Injure!” – Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

When Dobby is attacking Bellatrix Lestrange, she cries out in disgust that the “stupid” elf could have killed her. And Dobby responds by yelling a quote in the only way that Dobby can: dark and yet still comedic. The quote is a callback to how he tried to injure Harry in The Chamber Of Secrets, only now he’s using the same sentiment to heroically save the day.

It’s also great to see such a small creature stand on his own against one of the most dangerous Death Eaters. His violent attitude towards Bellatrix is justified, considering that she proceeds to throw a knife at Dobby, killing him, which is one of the worst things Bellatrix ever did.

His Tragic Last Words

“What A Beautiful Place…To Be With Friends. Dobby Is Happy To Be With His Friend…Harry Potter.” – Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1

Dobby’s death is one of the saddest moments in the entire Harry Potter franchise, and it is only made sadder by Dobby’s last words.

At the end of the seventh film, he dies in Harry’s arms, meaning that at least Dobby is able to die in a place that makes him happy. His friendship with Harry had changed his life for the better, so it’s fitting that Harry is mentioned in Dobby’s dying breath.

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