Dobby helped Harry but can he tell time ?

[samnanya]

No: HPFGUIDX 81966

My apologies in case this question was asked before ..

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?
samnanya