Happy Birthday, Dobby

[stuttermoan]

Belated edit 02/19/2016: I messed up and nobody told me for years? I'll get around to doing the correct one eventually.

After a 5 year break since my last astrology post, I'm back with a new HP astrological analysis. Up for analysis: Dobby. I used to find him irritating, but in my most recent read-through of the series, I've gained a new appreciation for him. Italicized words are from The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers.

Cancer - June 27 - The Day of the Defensive Developer

"Strengths: Convincing, Determined, Protective
Weaknesses: Rigid, Closed, Isolationist"

Due to Harry's limited point of view in the series, we only get to observe Dobby in a few scenes. We are told in several ways that he is odd for a house elf, with a streak of counter-cultural independence that other house elves find scandalous. We also see him struggle with the battle between protecting Harry (voluntarily) and being loyal to the Malfoy family, even after Lucius has freed him. He takes pride in being paid by Dumbledore, but is quick to point out that he's not paid too much. His natural personality is at odds with the culture in which he was born.

The influence of his culture and his limited role in the series make analyzing his personality a little more complicated, which is why I put off posting about him for a couple years now. Also, until yesterday, I still had his birthday listed as June 28. Not sure how I had that wrong for several years, but the June 27 day seems to fit him much better.

"Those born on June 27 believe that the most effective offense is supported by a good defense. Extremely protective of their personal kingdom (be it family or business), they venture out into the world cautiously and only after their home base is secure from external threats."

Since his cultural identity is strongly tied with family, this is something we see from him as typical house elf behavior. Still, Harry was not part of the family he served, and he chose to protect Harry many times throughout the series, unto death.

"Once their guidance system is locked on, however, they proceed inexorably to their target, rarely straying off course. Thus, June 27 people are unbelievably determined once they set their sights on something and tend to get it, no matter what."

In CoS, we certainly see how determined Dobby is to keep Harry from getting to Hogwarts. He left his masters' house to warn Harry, caused Harry to get punished for unauthorized magic (and cake-related misbehavior), and prevented Harry from getting through the barrier at Platform 9 3/4.

"There is usually a rock-solid set of moral convictions behind the drive and determination of June 27 people. Because of these convictions, those born on this day feel one hundred percent that their actions are just and correct, and they are rarely given to questioning themselves. The goals of most June 27 people are, generally speaking, highly personal rather than worldly, but they also have a strong competitive streak which urges them to overcome those they regard as competitors or rivals. In doing so, however, they can make very powerful enemies who later obstruct their progress, or in rare cases destroy or defeat them."

We know that house elves are much abused at the hands of their families, but how often has a witch or wizard found a house elf threatening enough to kill them? Dobby's exceptional behavior got him killed by Bellatrix, and he didn't die cowering. He died while performing a wartime rescue.

"Particularly once they have formed their ideological goals, firmed up their belief systems and sorted out their principles, they develop an overwhelming urge not only to share their values with others but to persuade, educate and convince."

Dobby encourages Hermione's clumsy attempts at helping other elves by cleaning the Gryffindor common room himself after the other elves refuse, fearing accidental clothing. We get to observe him with Winky, trying his best to help her adjust to a life of freedom.

"The spiritual path for those born on June 27 is long and hard. Perhaps only after they have battled and achieved some measure of success can they allow time to first examine and then remake themselves. Hopefully, they will still be free to change and grow."

If Dobby had survived the war, perhaps he would have become a house elf rights figurehead active in promoting better treatment for his people. We don't see enough of the Trio's life after the war to know for sure, but it's a safe bet that they made sure Dobby was respected and historically recognized for his contributions to defeating Voldemort.