Dumbledore could hardly have been more direct. Lucius Malfoy opened his hand, intending to take his Wand from the mechanism inside his Cane.
But could he defeat Albus Dumbledore, widely regarded as the greatest white Wizard in the Wizarding World?
Obviously not.
Lucius turned to Dobby, who had suddenly gone rigid. "We're leaving. I'll deal with you properly when we get back!"
At his master's command, Dobby wilted. His lively expression vanished, and he hunched his shoulders, lowered his head, and followed close behind.
As Dobby reached the doorway, pain shot through his right shoulder and he went flying.
Lucius Malfoy had kicked him!
"Oh, Master, my most respected Master! What did Dobby do wrong to make you so angry? Please, please spare me! Dobby doesn't want to be whipped!"
Harry could hardly bear to hear Dobby's desperate pleas. "Luo Bin, is there any way to free Dobby from the Malfoy family?"
Luo Bin could tell that Lucius had put his full strength into that kick. If Dobby had been an ordinary child instead of a House-elf, it would have shattered his arm. Judging by the bruises covering Dobby's body, Lucius had whipped him plenty at the Manor.
"Clothes!"
Luo Bin kept his voice low.
"What?"
"There's a rule: if a House-elf's master gives him a piece of clothing, it means he's free. It doesn't matter how ragged it is. Even if Dobby receives nothing but a sour, stinking sock, he gets to decide whether he stays or goes."
"But... wait!"
Harry rushed to the desk and asked anxiously, "Headmaster Dumbledore, may I return this Magical Diary to its owner?"
Dumbledore glanced at Luo Bin, who had supplied the idea, and smiled. "Of course. The magic attached to it is completely gone, and with that great hole through the middle,