Walking the Halls

Chamber of Secrets

Dobby is disappearing. Draco remembers he leaves for good after this year so maybe it has something to do with that. The issue is that when he leaves his father tends not to need something and for some reason, Dobby is the only house elf name he knows. Pretty sure this is different than in the past. His father is focused on this one elf. Maybe it isn't though, Draco couldn't remember many of the house elves' names until recently. 

"Dobby," he says.

Dobby squeals. "Master Malfoy."

"Ugh. Master Draco."

He bangs his head on the floor. "Dobby is sorry for not remembering orders," he yells.

Draco sighs. He forgot about that.  "Dobby, stop. I need you to answer some questions," he says. 

He squeals. "Of course, Master M-Draco," he says.

"Where have you been disappearing to?" he asks.

His eyes widen. He goes to a table.

"Don't punish yourself. Just answer," Draco says. 

"Dobby cannot tell Master Draco. Just know it is helping your friend."

Draco shrugs. So, he's helping Draco's friend. Presumably Harry since there aren't many other friends of his that need help usually. He rubs his temple. "Just don't get caught. You getting in trouble will be annoying."

He nods. "Of course, Master M-Draco," he says.

"Go on. If you ever need me to, I will cover for you. Don't go too far helping my friend," he says. He does not want to deal with the repercussions.  

He squeaks and disappears with a crack.

"Dobby," his father yells.

Draco sighs. How does he do that? He walks downstairs. "What, father?"

"I asked for that useless elf," he says.

"Told him I would take care of it," Draco says. Which he technically did.

He rolls his eyes. "Make sure the dishes are done," he says.

Draco nods.

"Don't let that elf off again," he says.

He goes to the dining room and takes the dishes from dinner to the kitchen.

"Master Draco, you do not need to help us," Ibby says.

"Dobby's helping me so I might as well cover for him," he says. Best few people know what's happening. Also, Dobby is most likely attempting to help.

"Ibby and the other elves will do the dishes."

Draco shakes his head. "I don't mind," he says. If his father sees him, he will likely get in trouble too.

Telly says, "Less work for us."

"Who would have to gift you clothing for you to be free?" he asks. He heard during the summer that's how they're freed.

"Master Malfoy," Ibby says.

"Hm, okay," he says.

Telly says, "You are very different Master Draco."

Draco raises an eyebrow.

He says, "You're more open with your caring. It's nice."

Draco smiles. "I'm sorry you suffered so long," he says. 

He shakes his head. "We care for you and Master Lara. We helped raise you," he says.

"Thank you," he says. He scrubs the dishes and hands them to Telly who actually is helping.