Harry managed not to shout out, but it was a close thing. The little creature on the bed had large, bat-like ears and bulging green eyes the size of tennis balls. Harry knew instantly that this was what had been watching him out of the garden hedge that morning.

As they stared at each other, Harry heard Dudley’s voice from the hall.‘ May I take your coats, Mr and Mrs Mason?’

The creature slipped off the bed and bowed so low that the end of its long thin nose touched the carpet. Harry noticed that it was wearing what looked like an old pillowcase, with rips for arm and leg holes.‘

Er – hello,’ said Harry nervously. ‘Harry Potter!’ said the creature, in a high-pitched voice Harry was sure would carry down the stairs. ‘So long has Dobby wanted to meet you, sir... Such an honour it is...’

‘Th-thank you,’ said Harry, edging along the wall and sinking into his desk chair, next to Hedwig, who was asleep in her large cage. He wanted to ask, ‘What are you?’ but thought it would sound too rude, so instead he said, ‘Who are you?’

‘Dobby, sir. Just Dobby. Dobby the house-elf,’ said the creature. ‘Oh – really?’ said Harry. ‘Er – I don’t want to be rude or anything, but – this isn’t a great time for me to have a house-elf in my bedroom.

’Aunt Petunia’s high, false laugh sounded from the living room. The elf hung his head. ‘Not that I’m not pleased to meet you,’ said Harry quickly, ‘but, er, is there any particular reason you’re here?’

‘Oh, yes, sir,’ said Dobby earnestly. ‘Dobby has come to tell you, sir... it is difficult, sir... Dobby wonders where to begin...’ ‘Sit down,’ said Harry politely, pointing at the bed. To his horror, the elf burst into tears – very noisy tears.‘

S-sit down!’ he wailed. ‘Never... never ever...’Harry thought he heard the voices downstairs falter.‘I’m sorry,’ he whispered, ‘I didn’t mean to...