There should be pain. Dobby has endured years of abuse and punishment, enough to know that such a fatal wound should hurt. Yet, somehow, he only feels warmth and a strange lightness.

Happy. Dobby is happy. Death is swiftly approaching, but he doesn't mind. Harry is safe now, and it's all the elf could ever want.

"Harry Potter," he says, his bulging eyes fixed upon those familiar shades of green.

Such a peaceful place to die. Such a warm place, in the company of friends. Dobby isn't afraid.

OoOoO

The elf blinks in confusion. Harry is gone, as is the sound of the seaside. Now, there is only mist and that peculiar lightness. And...

Green. That green. Harry's green.

"Harry Potter?" Dobby calls, his brain working to make sense of it all.

No. A woman steps forward. Harry's eyes, but waves of auburn hair. A warm, kind smile crosses her face as she approaches.

"I've wanted to meet you for some time now," she whispers, her hand reaching for his. "Thank you for protecting my son."

"Where is Dobby, Miss?" the elf asks, looking around, searching for something familiar but finding only those comforting eyes of green.

"Beyond," she answers, taking his hand gently in hers.