Genevieve Branxton

Nickname: Vivi, Viv, Genie (apparently)
Hair Color: Pale Blond
Eye Color: Gray-blue
Blood Status: Pureblood
Height: 5'4"
Current Residence: Ambleside, Cumbria, UK
Wand: 11 ¾ Balanced Fir with Griffin claw core
Patronus:

Mother: Cassandra Rae-Branxton
Father: Doyle Branxton
Siblings: Sophia (twin sister), Marcus Orion (brother)
Familiar: Macha (kneazle)

Professors use adjectives such as 'spirited' and 'restless' when they refer to Genevieve Branxton, and those are rather generous adjectives. When she had her twin to act as balance, Genevieve was able to show restraint in her plans, to defer to another point of view, and to dedicate her attention to matters that weren't of particular importance to her. With the loss of Sophia's influence, Genevieve can sometimes tend toward selfish tunnel vision where she sees only her own needs or interests. Although she is not specifically cruel, this limited vision paired with her dry wit and quick temper can leave some people feeling slightly damaged in her wake.

From an early age, Genevieve took on the role of advocate. She spoke for her twin sister and younger brother, and fought for them when required, and she has long observed her mother's active role in social justice in the Wizarding World. Genevieve has a very clear idea of what is right and what is wrong, although it doesn't always extend far enough when it encroaches upon what she wants or desires. As the rest of the Branxtons are gentle and bookish, Genevieve feels keenly that her restless spirit and wild ways mark her as different, but rather than let that make her feel as if she doesn't belong to her family, it makes her feel that she alone is responsible for standing between them and the world. She is a mama bear... a grizzly mama bear who isn't afraid to eat off your face if required.

Even as a child, Genevieve had a keenly developed sense of justice and equity, as well as a sanctity about giving her word and making promises. Her father often emphasizes responsibility and commitment to a cause, leaving his children with the understanding that to put your name to something is sacred. That, combined with common bullheadness, has left Genevieve in the occasionally destructive position of making declarative statements that have consequences with which she must learn to live. For example, as a third year, Genevieve had no use for her classmates' sudden interest in boys and obsession with fashion and fripperies, and she declared to any would listen that she would never devote herself to such mundane things. She spent the next three years doing everything in her power to prove that she was above these sorts of frivolous things, including choosing a utilitarian wardrobe and refusing to regard her classmates as anything beyond the scope of Acquaintance, Friend, or Mortal Foe.

After the birth of her twin daughters in 2061, Headmistress Rae-Branxton and her husband Professor Doyle Branxton decided to continue to raise their girls within the ancient castle. The girls spent their early formative years in a classroom-turned-nursery that was frequented by occasional students and professors and by many of the house elves. Even as very young children, the differences in the twins' temperaments was very apparent; Sophia was quiet and self-contained while Genevieve was noisy and energetic and desirous of attention.

In 2066, after a kidnapping, several invasions by the Ministry, and (most traumatic of all) the birth of younger brother Marcus Orion, Cassandra and Doyle decided that raising the children within Hogwarts was no longer the best option. Doyle removed to the country with the three young Branxton children, setting up house in a country manor with easy Floo access for Cassandra. Separated from her family, Cassandra Rae-Branxton only lasted a year longer in the role of Headmistress before she retired from Hogwarts - although she has not retired to a life of leisure.

The Branxton twins were very excited about starting at Hogwarts in the months leading up to their first year. Both girls recalled the school with foggy memories, and Genevieve in particular was eager to expand their range of mischief-making to new grounds that did not include parents attuned to their brand of trouble. It came as a great shock, however, when Doyle and Cassandra informed the twins that Sophia alone would be attending Hogwarts, while Genevieve would be sent to Beauxbatons. Concerned with the insular and secretive habits that can sometimes develop in twins and by the fact that the twins (and Sophia in particular) seemed to rely on each other a bit too much, the couple made the difficult decision to separate the girls for at least their first few years at school.

Although initially traumatized and angry by the betrayal of her parents and the removal of her twin and best friend, Genevieve settled easily into life at Beauxbatons. Classes came easily to the young girl, especially those topics that intrigued her or captured her interest, and Genevieve had no trouble making new friends - although they were more willing minions than equals. As a natural leader (read: bossy) and planner, Genevieve caused her share of scrapes and issues at the school, but she managed to avoid being caught, for the most part. On those occasions she was caught, her minor celebrity status as the daughter of a Headmistress and niece of Brennan Cooper, former Minister of Magic, gave her enough social currency to buy her way out of trouble. The result: a clever, headstrong girl with no real idea about the consequences to her actions.