After little more than a week, Hermione had reached her breaking point. The previous day had been the elves’ day off and Malfoy hadn't made an appearance; she'd felt like a ghost drifting through the Manor, forgotten and isolated. She was bound and determined to have a real, actual conversation, so after she finished her morning routine she called for Tippy, whom she had learned did most of the cooking. He was much less friendly to her than Gigi was, but she had the feeling that if she found the right topic, he'd be a fount of conversation. He arrived with a pop and a slightly annoyed look on his face, which he carefully smoothed out along with the lapels on his jacket.