Remembering the foolish things Dobby had done, Harry felt a phantom ache in his back and right arm. "Dobby, I don't need you to do anything for me. I just want you to stop trying to protect me. Besides, slipping the sock into the book wasn't—it wasn't my idea. It was Luo Bin's!"
Luo Bin and Dumbledore walked over just in time to hear Harry sell his friend out!
"Sear, you really do have an endless supply of crafty ideas!" Dumbledore said approvingly.
"It just came to me. Pure chance!"
Dobby ran up to Luo Bin and bowed deeply. "Mr. Sear, thank you. You're a kind, great wizard of the light, just like Mr. Potter. Thank you for freeing Dobby. Is there anything you need me to do for you?"
"There is something I could use your help with!"
Dobby's eyes widened with excitement. "What is it? Just say the word, and Dobby will do it right away!"
"Well, there are a few things I'm puzzled about, and I need you to clear them up. How about this? I'll meet you in the Potions Classroom at nine tonight!"
Though Dobby wondered why he couldn't ask now, he kept the question to himself. "Yes, Mr. Sear."
"Dobby, what are you planning to do next?"
"D-Dobby... Dobby wants to earn his own living. Dobby can do magic, has endless energy, and knows how to clean and cook. Dobby can find a well-paying job!"
Harry's smile broadened at Dobby's bold declaration, but a trace of worry showed in Dumbledore's blue eyes. After a moment's thought, Luo Bin offered a suggestion.
"Dobby, a lot of Muggle-born cooks quit recently because of the attacks. I saw notices on the bulletin board and in the Daily Prophet saying the Hogwarts Kitchens are hiring kitchen staff."
"There