Shane stared stupidly at the cupcake for a long moment before he came to his senses.
"Tilly. Tilly, it's okay," he said. He'd been around house elves for most of his life, but he'd never get used to them punishing themselves. He was relieved when she stopped. "Did Mister Brendon say what the cupcake is for?" Sometimes Brendon was a mystery unto himself.
"Mister Brendon isn't telling Tilly that, Mister Shane," she replied, "and Tilly isn't thinking to ask." She looked sad for a moment, and Shane was worried she was going to start banging her head again. Her eyes widened suddenly, though, and she said, "Mister Brendon is putting a note under the cupcake for Mister Shane. Mister Brendon did not tell Tilly, but Tilly saw the note." She looked very proud of herself.
Shane decided he'd read the note later, when he was alone. "Thank you, Tilly," he said, and reached out to take his cupcake.