Hi guys! I'm back! If you've read my other story, the Potter's Twin, you would know that this is the new story I'm working on. If you haven't, first, you should read it, second, this is about a new generation of kids going into Hogwarts about 30 years after the Battle Of Hogwarts. A lot later on, the trio and others will be introduced to the story, but until then, there are only a few recognisable characters. This story is loosely based off the Marauders, so that kinda clues you in as to what the story will be like. So, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1

September 1st, 2030

I wake up without mum even banging on my door. I'm so excited. Today's the day. September 1st. Hogwarts day. I jump out of bed and rush to gather my things. As I pass my mirror I notice my hair is a bright yellow; excitement mode. I grin.

From the top of the stairs, I am able to smell the delicious breakfast waiting for me.

When I've finally got everything, I drag my trunk down the stairs, not minding when I'm yelled at for the thumping noise it makes. As I reach the bottom step, I navigate my things over to the front door, then make my way to the kitchen, skipping every step. Dad is already at the table, and so is my older sister, Wyrene, who is in her third year at Hogwarts in Slytherin. Just as I sit down, my two younger identical twin brothers, Quinn and Jamie, enter the kitchen, talking quietly. They're only one year younger than me, but it means they won't be at Hogwarts this year. When they are though, I reckon they'll be in Ravenclaw. They're too smart not to be.

Mum and Bailey, my older fourth year Hufflepuff brother, quickly set down breakfast in front of us, and we dig in. Normally Mum lets the house-elves cook for us, but this morning she wanted to 'cook a special breakfast for her baby girl,' and Bailey's too nice not to help. I can tell Mum and Dad are sad to see me. I've always been their little one, despite my younger brothers. It also means they'll have to look after the two nerds all the time. At least with us around, they don't 'book out' too much. Now that we're going, I'm betting the twins won't be seen again, at least until us kids come home again.

As always breakfast is delicious, even though it's a bit rushed. Mum and Dad want to get us to Kings Cross early, because in Wyrene's first year she only just made the train, and knowing me, I'd be the same. We let the elves wash up, and Mum hurries us out the door. Just before I leave though, my parents turn to face me.

"You feeling alright there Genie?" Dad asks.

I frown at him, my hair turning a slightly lighter shade almosts towards orange; annoyance mode. Genie is the only name my parents call me unless I've done something wrong, then it's the full name, Gena. No matter how much I whine and complain, they refuse to stop calling me that.

"I told you not to call me that," I groan.

Dad raises his eyebrows, and I roll my eyes.

"I'm fine," I answer honestly. "Just a little nervous."

Mum smiles at me sympathetically and runs her hand through my now light blue hair; nervous mode. We've spoken a little bit and she listened to my concerns and answered some questions I asked. I'm not worried about what house I'll be in now, I'm only worried about what will happen to me and my friends.

Several of our parents went to school together, and some of our older siblings are in the same grade, so we've forged some strong friendships. Xinia, a muggleborn who's older brother is good friends with Bailey, is probably my best friend, along with Anica and Ciena, my Mum's best friends twin daughters. Us four are also really good friends with Dylan and Nick who are best friends. Their Dads are close to mine. Hailey and Owen, our sort of neighbours are also our friends. All of us are so different, and we have no idea what houses we'll be in. We're worried that if we're placed in different houses we will grow apart and won't be friends anymore. We'll just see what happens though I guess.

"Come on, otherwise we'll be late," Dad says gently.

I nod and follow him out the door. My siblings are all waiting for us. Dad goes to the twins and Bailey, who grab his arms, and they apparate out of the area. Mum joins Wyrene and looks back to me. I turn to face the house one last time and take in the three floors and rich gardens I call home. Taking a deep breath, my hair turning back to my normal ombre red and orange hair, I turn back around, grasp Mum's arm, and prepare myself for the weird sensation of apparating.

A few seconds later, we stand in a small alleyway across from Kings Cross station. Wheeling our trollies across the road, we make our way to Platform 9 and ¾. It's 10:45, so we have 15 minutes to spare. We make our way over to the Hogwarts Express, and Mum and Dad help us load everything into our chosen compartments. Bailey and Wyrene immediately find theirs, but I hesitate a little, not sure which one to choose.

Just then I see a figure with long, deep red hair waving. Xinia. A grin breaks onto my face as I make my way towards her and the compartment she's chosen. Dad swings my trunk onto a shelf and sets Studs, my beautiful brown owl, on one of the seats. We then make our way back onto the platform to find the others.

We spot Anica and Ciena, the twins, and their seventh year Gryffindor brother, Finn, approaching the train. Finn disappears after hugging his parent's goodbye, while the girls set their stuff down at our feet.

"We'll load the train later," Anica says.

Although they are twins, the sisters are fraternal, so they don't look alike. Both of them have red hair, but Ciena's is more a dark strawberry red, sitting dead straight just above her shoulders and she has a fringe, whereas Anica's is maroon red and always sits in a bun on the top of her head. They also have different eyes; Ciena's are a deep sapphire blue and Anica's are dark green with flecks of lighter green.

We talk amongst ourselves for a few minutes until Ciena spots Dylan and Kylie (also twins, although brother and sister) with Nick and his little brother Lincoln. They make their way over to us, although Kylie hangs back a little with her mum because she's not close with us. The Dad's immediately start a conversation with mine, talking about random guy stuff. Meanwhile, Ciena, Anica, Xinia and I start up a conversation.

"Where're Owen and Hailey do you reckon?" Xinia asks suddenly, checking her watch.

I check mine as well and see that it's 10:57. The train leaves in three minutes.

"Don't know," I say, "but we should say our goodbyes."

They all agree, and we make our way over to our parents. I give each of my parents a long hug, then pull back. My hair turns dark blue; sad mode. Mum is blinking back a few tears, and Dad looks like he would be if he cried.

"Now remember, it doesn't matter what house you're put in, we love and support you no matter what," Dad says.

I nod. Although they were both in Gryffindor, they fully supported Bailey and Wyrene when they were sorted into Hufflepuff and Slytherin.

"Remember, have fun, but listen to your professors," Mum continues.

I smile and nod my head again.

"And don't get into too much trouble," Dad adds with a small wink.

I laugh and give them both another hug, my hair going back to normal with reassurance from my parents. Just then the train whistles, and I realise it's 10:59.

"Okay, you better get on," Dad says.

I give them one last look then join my friends on the train. Xinia and I lead them into the compartment, and everyone gets settled. I lean my head out the window and see Mum and Dad not too far away. They spot me and wave.

"We love you," Mum calls out above the crowd.

I wave back and blow them a quick kiss just as the train starts moving. As we turn the corner, I see them exchange a worried look.

Returning to the compartment, I take a seat next to Anica, across from Xinia, who is next to Ciena and Owen, who I see has joined us along with Hailey. On the other side of Anica is Nick, then Dylan, and Hailey on the end across from Owen. Kylie isn't with us, as she went to find other friends.

No one talks much, as we're all wrapped up in our thoughts. When the trolley lady comes around, we order our favourites, and only then do we fall into our familiar, easy conversation. We talk about things we've done since we last saw each other, and we show various pets and wands to each other.

My wand is pine wood, 12 ½ inches with dragon heartstring, and unyielding flexibility. I haven't been able to do any magic with it obviously, but when it chose me, I felt a powerful connection with it.

Eventually, the conversation moves into dangerous territory. Houses.

"So, what house do you think you guys will be in?" Owen asks.

Eyes dart around the compartment, and fingers start twitching. This is the one subject we have all been nervous about.

"I think I might be Gryffindor," Owen continues.

I snap my eyes back up to her. Now that I think about it, I can see it. Owen always stands up for herself and others and isn't afraid to speak first. I guess that's what prompted her to ask the question. Looking around, I see the others start to notice it as well.

I find myself starting to think about the others now. I've been trying to avoid the subject for so long, that I haven't thought about which houses we would all be in.

I can see Hailey being a Hufflepuff, that's easy to pick. She's always been a sweetheart.

Ciena will probably be a Ravenclaw, she always gets top marks in muggle school.

Dylan will most likely be a Gryffindor because although he's a good guy, he can get a bit thick-headed.

Xinia, Anica and Nick are a lot harder to pick.

I can see Nick fitting into either Slytherin or Gryffindor, which is amusing, considering how much the two contrast.

Anica wants to be Slytherin, although I can also see her as Ravenclaw.

Xinia could also be a Ravenclaw, but also possibly Slytherin.

It's a bit overwhelming thinking about all the possibilities, and how spread apart we could all be. Most nerve-wracking of all though is thinking about what house I will be in.

I can see myself in all of the houses quite easily, except maybe Hufflepuff. I have a sharp mind, and often find I know many things others don't. I would do anything for my friends, and I stand up for what I support quite often. However, I also often mistrust others and set high goals for myself. I have no idea what house I'll be in.

We talk for a little bit more on the subject, then move away from it as we draw closer to the castle grounds.

When the prefects tell us we're almost there, we put our robes on and get everything ready.

The train slows to a stop, and we all step onto the Hogwarts platform. We look around in wonder as the older students make their way to their carriages that take them to Hogwarts. I hear a man calling for the first years, so our group makes our way over to him.

"Firs' years over here, firs' years," the man repeats.

There are several gasps as we come into the light and see him properly. He stands easily 11 feet tall, probably more, and wears what looks like animal skins and furs. If I hadn't been told about him, I would have felt threatened. Luckily, my parents, Bailey and Wyrene had all mentioned him before, so I'm not afraid.

The man introduces himself as Rubeus Hagrid, then leads us over to small boats near a massive lake. Xinia, Hailey, Ciena and I board one boat while Nick, Dylan, Anica and Owen take another. The boats are obviously magic, as we do not need to row them.

We sit quietly, staring at the magnificent castle all the way. When we reach the other side, we step out of the boats and start-up to the castle doors. Little snippets of conversation reach my ears every once in a while, but otherwise, the walk is silent.

When we reach the doors, Hagrid stops, and we wait for a few minutes before an older witch meets us.

"Good evening first years," she says. "I am Professor McGonagall. Follow me."

We do as she says, and she leads us through the hallways to another set of doors. I think we are going to go straight in, but she stops and turns to face us.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," says Professor McGonagall. "The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room."

Again, nerves start rolling in my stomach.

"The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history, and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours."

She then leads us into the Great Hall, and all the first years 'ooh,' and 'ahh,' at the sight of it.

I walk past Wyrene at the Slytherin table next to a few friends and she gives me a brief smile.

Glancing over at the far-right table, I pick out Bailey, laughing with another student. He glances at the first-years and smiles warmly at me when he finds me.

I spot a few other familiar faces, and before I know it, we've stopped, waiting to be Sorted.

I look up at the Staff Table, casting my gaze along the teachers. I don't pay too much attention to them until I spot a man with bright blue hair sitting close to the middle of the table. Talking to two other men on his right, none of them are paying much attention to the students. But then, as if feeling my eyes on him, the blue-haired man turns to face us, and his eyes lock on my face. He smiles reassuringly, and I can't help but smile back.

Suddenly, the Hat launches into a song, and the Hall erupts in cheers at the end.

Then the sorting begins.

I quickly run through our last names to find out when we'll be called.

I work out the order; Me, Dylan, Nick, Hailey, Owen, Xinia, then finally Anica and Ciena. My stomach rolls as I realise I will be sorted first.

One by one people are sorted.

When "Dinnick, Gena!" is called, I take a quick deep breath, trying to stop my hair from changing colours, then step forward to have the Hat placed of my head.

I hear a voice in my ear speak.

"Another Dinnick eh? Very interesting. What do we have here?"

The Hat is quiet for a moment.

"Oh. I see. I see. I think this is better left untouched. Yes, I think so."

What is it talking about?

"You come from quite a diverse family," the Hat continues. "What do you hold? Ahh, yes, I see. An intelligent mind. Perhaps Ravenclaw? Lots of courage too. Not surprising I suppose. Ah, but of course. Ambition and cunning too. A mind like your predecessors. Yes, I see. I know just where to put you.

SLYTHERIN!"

The Hat shouts the last word aloud, and I grin as the Hat is taken off my head, my hair now striped green and silver and I start towards the Slytherin table. The closest available spot is across from Wyrene, so I decide to take it. She congratulates me before turning back to the Sorting.

At the Staff Table, I see the blue-haired man staring at me with a surprised look. Well, my hair to be specific. I quickly change it back to normal, feeling a little less happy than I was a couple of seconds ago.

I shake my head, trying to get rid of the feeling.

The Hat sorts through a few more people before coming to "Freign, Dylan."

Dylan walks up to the stool, and Professor McGonagall places it on his head. A few moments pass before it shouts out -

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Our group cheers wildly, and he smiles as he sits down at the Gryffindor table. He glances over at me and gives me a small smile. I return the gesture, before turning back to the Sorting where "Freign, Kylie," has been called.

Not close to our group, we aren't really friends. Pretty much the same amount of time it took for Dylan to be sorted passes before the Hat shouts -

"RAVENCLAW!"

Kylie goes to sit with the nerds. She glances at Dylan and nods a little bit, before talking to the other students. Not very friendly, but Kylie sort of behaviour, so I don't think much of it. I don't have anything against her, but she can be quite arrogant sometimes.

I zone out as the next few people are called, but sit up in interest when "Gougley, Nicholas" is called out.

Nick steps up, and the Hat is placed on his hand. About a minute passes before he's sorted into Gryffindor, and he goes to join Dylan, the two of them looking very pleased about it.

The list reaches "Howe, Hailey" who gets placed in Hufflepuff. I clap along with everyone else, happy for her.

"Jones...Jones...Jordan," the names go past in a blur until "Kent, Owen", gets sorted into Gryffindor.

The three teachers I noticed before plus a few others perk up when "Longbottom" is called. Surprised looks cross all of their faces when the Hat calls out Slytherin. The boy sits a little down from me, looking a little anxious.

"Muply...Nott...Parkinson."

Then, finally, "Ren, Xinia."

I cross my fingers in my lap, not quite sure what I'm hoping for. I can't stop my hair from turning an anxious light blue, and I vaguely consider making it my colour of the day. I know it's unlikely she will be in Slytherin with me, so I hope she gets what I know she secretly wants – Ravenclaw.

I see a look of worry cross her face as she goes to sit on the stool. When the Hat is placed on her head, she winces a little bit.

She's a hat stall. Nerves settle on her face, and I notice Anica glance at me, a similar look on hers. Five minutes pass, until, finally, the Hat yells -

"RAVENCLAW!"

A wide smile forms on Xinia's face. I whoop and cheer loudly, earning me a few strange looks, and she laughs as she looks over at me, shaking her head when she spots my hair - sporting bronze as well now. I grin, and change it back yet again.

I'm a little upset we won't be in the same house, but I know she'll be happy in Ravenclaw.

Again, the teachers look interested when "Weasley" is called, unsurprisingly joining Gryffindor.

Then next, "Wore, Anica" is called. I watch in anticipation as the Hat is placed on her head. After a few seconds, the Hat shouts out -

"SLYTHERIN!"

I smile wildly as she comes and sits next to me.

"Congrats," I say.

She smiles, and we share a quick hug. Then we turn back to the sorting to watch "Wore, Ciena" be sorted.

Almost as soon as the Hat touches her head, it calls out -

"RAVENCLAW!"

A massive look of relief passes over Ciena's face as she goes to join Xinia.

"Figures," Anica rolls her eyes. "Those two are relieved to be the nerds of the grade."

I laugh as well as I glance at the two deep in conversation. Well, bicker it looks more like.

"Well at least it didn't change anything between them," I laugh, referring to their constant friendly bickering.

She laughs as well, and "Zabini" is called and placed in Slytherin, then we turn to our dinner, which has appeared in front of us.

Across from me, Wyrene speaks up.

"Good job you two," she smirks. "You should be proud. Slytherin is definitely the best house."

I snort at her remark, but we smile nonetheless. As dinner continues, the older students share stories and tales while the first years laugh.

When we are dismissed, the prefects show us to the dungeons where the Slytherin common room is, and we head off to our dormitories. We find all our belongings at the base of our beds, and I feed Studs before changing into my pyjamas. Along with Anica, there are four other girls in the dormitory.

I don't remember their names, not having listened to the Sorting apart from our friends, but I'll figure them out tomorrow. Tonight, sleep is the only thing on my mind. I climb into bed and underneath the emerald covers. Quickly I fall into a deep sleep, dreaming about what the Sorting Hat said.

Hi again guys. I really hope you liked this. Please leave a review with any thoughts or comments. Also please check out my Instagram account. The details for it are in my profile:)