Who originally owned Dobby?

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 174643

-
> Bambalita:
> I think Dobby was "loyal". When he tried to tell Harry why he was in 
> danger he kept beating himself up over it...so he was being loyal to 
> the Malfoys by not saying who was involved only that Harry was in 
> danger.

Finwitch:

Yes-- the sort that Kreacher had, too. Apparently a house-elf is not
exactly forced to obey - but, because Master's bidding is house-elf's
highest law - a disobedient elf will immediately punish himself. (We
see that with Kreacher).

I think closest analogy to the 'highest law' here is Religion- and,
while most are devoted to serve their masters, Dobby's something of an
atheist, having no master and being happy about it - still observing
house-elf *manners* to a point.

Finwitch