Dobby helped Harry but can he tell time ?

[nkittyhawk97]

No: HPFGUIDX 81999

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "samnanya" <yswahl at s...> wrote:
> 
> Dobby was freed by Harry from the employ of the Malfoys at the end 
of 
> CoS which is at the end of Harry's year 2. Yet in the middle of 
year 4 
> when Hermione has gotten Harry and Ron into the elf kitchen, dobby 
> exclaims "Dobby has traveled the country for two whole years, sir, 
> trying to find work!"   (GOF 378 US ed)
> Hmm elf time different from Wizard time ?  
> I wonder what Dobby's exact status with the Malfoys was at the 
time he 
> helped Harry? Somehow, I DONT think that this is a flint......
> 
> Any ideas?

Hmmmm... never thought of that. However, Dobby had been going all 
sorts of places even while serving the Malfoys. (Privet Drive, 
Hospital Wing, etc.) Perhaps he had been 'traveling the country' for 
two whole years, but not looking for work the WHOLE time.