The Green Trio

September 1st, 1994

With the clicking and chugging of the train's engine and wheels, and the heavy patter of rain against metal, the young witch's mumbled incantations could barely be heard. She waved her wand over the silent stereo system once again. From arguing with her mother over why she had to bring it to school to carrying it from home to the platform to the Hogwarts Express—it would not be for nothing and by Merlin's word, Luka would make this stupid machine useable at common room parties.

Why for all magics advantages, it was one hell of an inconvenience when it wanted to be. How the hell did it interfere with technology? Wasn't that just supposed to be something ghosts did?

"It's okay if it doesn't work." Cersei said, leaning back against her seat with a pout. The parakeet perched on her shoulder nipped at her neck when he was forced to shuffle down, closer to the two cats watching his every move. "I'm—ow, Henry!—sure we could find something else."

Luka didn't look up. "Shut up, I'm trynna focus."

She remembered the words etched in black ink on creased parchment only just weeks ago, the same words sent to the same two friends, Cersei and Diana, sat with her in this compartment. The promise of music at any and all hours. She wasn't letting those plans fall through. Taking a deep breath, she steadied her heart, tightened her grip on her wand and spoke.

The stereo whirred. Cracks of static spilt through for a long second. And then—finally—music.

The smooth harmonies of Boyz II Men filled the space around them, overshadowing the sounds of the train and Luka pumped her fist in the air. She looked between both her friends, a triumphant grin breaking across her face as they clapped.

She set the stereo on the floor and relaxed, watching as one of the two cats—Salem, the black one—was momentarily distracted by the contraption. "The hat didn't shout Ravenclaw for nothing."

"I'm still not sure on that one," said Diana with a snort.

"Well, we're five years in and I haven't heard word that it's changed its mind yet." She straightened the stereo with her foot. Salem jumped back. "Salem, the stereo isn't going to hurt you—actually, has anyone ever switched houses? I mean, we were kids. People change."

"I don't think so." Diana said.

"Don't think people change or don't think anyone's switched houses?"

"I don't think anyone's switched houses. The Sorting Hat's the most powerful Legilimens in the world."

"Yeah, but that's the thing though," Luka said thoughtfully. "It's a Legilimens, not a fortune teller."

Diana gave a small shrug and Cersei, who'd been staring out the window, looked back to her friends and furrowed her brows. "Wait, aren't you supposed to be in the Prefect cart right now?"

Luka's eyes widened, realization dawning on her. Right, that was something she was now. Something which she imagined was Flitwick's veiled attempt to get her to participate more often.

Sharp as a Kneazle you are, he'd told her a handful of times before. I only wish you'd raise your hand more often in class.

She stood quickly to leave, but her path was at once blocked by the trolley woman. Curiously, the trolley woman glanced at the music player before blinking and staring at the girls.

"Anything from the trolley, dears?"

"Oh, yeah!" Cersei stood, taking the few steps to the threshold. Fluffy, the other cat—a sphinx belonging to Diana—watched intently.

Luka waited patiently as the brunette fished through her pockets for spare change as she made orders for a number of different sweets. The trolley woman handed them off easily, though Luka was having trouble keeping up with the order as Boyz II Men sang about fulfilling their lover's needs. It was a great song, but she'd need to figure out a way to get the contraption to play specific tracks on command. The radio was absolutely not a reliable playlist.