When we first meet Dobby, he is a house elf for the Malfoy family, having worked for them for many years. He is small, with large green ears, and wears a pillowcase as an outfit. In the wizarding world, house elves are at the beck and call of their masters and adhere to a strict set of loyalty codes. They can only be free if they are presented with clothes by their owners. Dobby is actually a very powerful elf with many magical abilities. He becomes a friend to Harry, warning him when he hears of the plan to reopen the Chamber of Secrets, which would put Harry and his friends in danger.