Woke up early today, stretched languid on her pillow, and went to sleep again. Because well because I can silly goose. I got up when the morning sun delighted my whiskers. Big stretch. I sniffed the day. It smelt deliciously wicked.

I called for breakfast. Fortunately my mistress’ mate was available to attend to my needs. He seemed annoyed or worried or something. I never bothered to learn male. Funny creatures fuzzy with large feet but he pleases my mistress, so I only bopped his ankle once before and began my administrations.

In a sunny patch I performed my post-brekkie bath on an open book. Either frustrated or constipated, the mate said something about reading that. I dunno I took a power nap. Wisely, he left his office to my repose.

Awoke with a high back stretch. Time for work, the duties of a familiar are important and exhausting. I perused the perimeters sensing the strength of the household wards. The wards were solid but there was tension in the magic. Something was going on. I yowled because I like yowling.

Quick as a tail flick, I scooted between the mate’s legs and headed for the nearest portal. Tuned into my mistress, I landed at her location the catacombs beneath the Athenaeum. I sniffed hello Oakley, my old friend. She updated me on the sys op. My heartbeat raced. The MacGuffin was stolen.

I headed for my mistress. Weaving my way through the hallways I needed to be at her side. My mistress was buried deep in the scrolls. Kiss, kiss, I pounced on her laptop.

“Oh Willcox I love you too but I have to work,” she said.

I yowled and she hugged me close. For the Order my mistress must be fierce. She buried her head in my fur. With me she can be vulnerable.

“Okay okay snuggle time.”

Her fear dripped on my back. I pushed patience into her throat. I purred waves of confidence.

“Headmistress, Kennedy is here with her report,” Jackson her head of security said.

I bristled and jumped away. That one reeked of false pride. Hissing I hurried to the top of the bookshelf.

“Cats give me the creeps,” Jackson muttered.

“Show her in number 2,” my mistress said.

We exchanged a look. My mistress looked thoughtful, sensing my I knew in my bones. Weak people are dangerous. There was a knock and the members arrived. I settled down for the briefing.