Who originally owned Dobby?

[jlnbtr]

No: HPFGUIDX 174588

Jellocat:
> 
> Why did Dobby originally care so much about Harry Potter? He was
> "owned" by the Malfoys - aren't house elves supposed to show loyalty
> only to their masters?
> 

Juli:
Dobby said during CoS (I think) that before the dark lord fell House 
Elves were treated like garbage, so I'm guessing he's very grateful for 
Harry finished voldemort 17 years ago, and then after, elves had a 
slightly better life. I believe house elves are born into a family, I 
don't think they can be taken...