A Love of Ages

Part 1 - Leaving Home

    Dobby knows he wants to leave home. He can't seem to bring himself to do it, but he wants to adventure. He wants to see the world, and even though he's technically a free elf, he can't explore within the confines of the castle. He's already packed his things away, but can't seem to say goodbye.

    Dobby decides to say goodbye to Harry first. Harry would be the hardest to say goodbye to, so getting him over with now would be best. He knocks quietly on Harry's door.

    "Who's knocking on my door at 2 in the morning?" He asks, still delirious from just waking. "Ah, it's you. Hey Dobby. Whaddya need?" Harry leans on the doorway, awaiting Dobby's answer.

    Dobby feels his palms getting sweaty, his knees getting weaker. He's had a crush on this boy for years, but never had the heart to say it. Either way, he's been hooking up with Hermione for about a month now, so there's no reason to say anything about his feelings. 

    "I.. I'm leaving the castle, Harry. I want a life that isn't stuck inside the walls. If Dobby is a free elf, I want to be free in the he real world. I'm sorry about leaving, but I feel this is right for me." Dobby swallows hard, nervous from Harry's eyes boring holes into his body.

    "I see. Whatever got this is best, Dobby. Just know that you're my best friend, and I won't forget you." He places a soft hand on Dobby's head, a last final post on his head before he leaves. Suddenly, a voice from inside Harry's dorm emerges.

    "Harry? Where'd you go babe?"

    It's Hermione. Seems like they were sleeping together earlier. *Bad time, I suppose.* 

    "I suppose I'll be on my way... Goodbye, Harry."

    "Goodbye, Dobby." Harry closes his door, and Dobby walks away to distribute some letters that he had written to say goodbye to everyone else.

    After a few hours, Dobby is walking away from the castle. He feels like a piece of his heart is being ripped from his chest, but that another part was finally being fulfilled. Finally feeling and smelling new air, he felt a mix of joy and melancholy.

    Suddenly, Dobby feels a somewhat familiar sensation on his skin. Rain. He sees a bright flash of light in the distance, soon followed by a loud boom. Lightning. Dobby needs shelter, and FAST. He frantically looks around, trying to find a place to rest, now wishing he had stayed in the castle for just one more night. He spots a large cave in the distance, and knows that's his only chance to escape the rain, so he begins bolting towards the rock full speed.