"I said no. Does that mean anything to you people?" I hiss, hugging my knees to my chest a little tighter. Professor Beard turns to Gabby and Diane, shooing them out of the room so he can talk to me alone. I heave a heavy sigh as the two women leave after shooting irritated glances my way. They may take care of me, but they've never liked me. The door closes and he drags over a stool with a wrinkled white hand, then sits in front of me. The room is already tiny, about the size of a rich person's jacuzzi, but with the man in it, my space is even smaller. He leans back a bit though and doesn't come off as a complete creep, so maybe he's okay. I take my time looking him up and down.

In a house filled with kids that are multiple shades of brown, me included, the white man in blue silk sticks out like a sore thumb. Crystal blue eyes, long blue robes with a long blue hat, this guy looks like Merlin from a fucking Renaissance Fair. Crescent moon glasses rest delicately on his hooked nose as he looks a bit concernedly over my bare mattress, ratty brown blanket, and dirty clothes.

"Miss Ackley-"

"Arell." I correct him sharply and see the corner of his mouth twitch. Still, my wand is clenched tight in my fist between the wall and my bed.

"Arell, I'm the headmaster of Hogwarts and came specifically to talk with you. My name is Albus Dumbledore. I'm not here to harm you and I'd feel a bit better if you'd release your hold on your wand." His head tilts towards my hidden fist and I bring it out; thirteen inches, a phoenix feather core, Ashwood. The wand is black with a sturdy handle separated by two perforations and little silver vines creep up and out of the handle all the way to the tip. I lighten my grip but keep it in my hands. He nods once, accepting this.

"I've read your transcripts from other schools, Arell. You have an incredible gift for magic as well as mischief. At Hogwarts, your gift will be nurtured and you'll be around others like you." He explains in his gentle, old voice. I relax a bit more and face him, sitting cross-legged.

"Like at Durmstrang? And Beauxbatons?" I question irately. I'd been kicked out of both schools in that order and I'm tired of going to new places where everything is the same. "I never even did anything wrong and no one ever listened to me! I'm too dangerous to have around. Things follow me. Bad things."

"Hogwarts is not like either of those schools," Albus assures me calmly and firmly. "Each has its positives and negatives, of course, but Hogwarts is focused on group learning and pushing students to fulfill their potential. I believe you'd flourish there." Professor Beard doesn't give up and his tone gets my attention. Still, I'm unsure. "Plus, this meeting means you're already in contact with the head of the school. If you have any problems, you can come to me directly. I'll make sure every teacher knows this as well." He continues and now that really has my attention.

"You and I both know there isn't going to be anyone else like me there. Two schools in four years? How do you know your school is better?" A small sigh escapes Dumbledore's upturned lips as I twiddle with the ends of my kinky curls. My hair is a shade darker than my fresh upturned earth skin and my eyes nearly glow gold, but are really just a soft amber.

"There is no one like anyone anywhere." He says pointedly and stands, moving his chair back where it was. "Consider the offer, Arell." Are his last words before he walks out, leaving a little letter with a heavy wax seal on his chair. I purse my lips and bite the inside of my cheek as I think, then turn to the window. Quickly, I unlatch the lock and swing the old glass window open just in time to see the Professor walking out the door.

"Albus!" I shout to him and watch him whirl around to face me, standing out like a robin's egg among ash. "Fine! I'll go!" A bright smile lights up his wrinkled face as he nods.

"I'll send someone to get you, personally." He responds in a calm voice, but somehow it reaches me as if he were standing next to me. I nod and blink when he disappears with a loud snap. Huffing, I fall back onto my tiny bed and grab that letter. It's heavy and feels good in my hands. Like another chance. Like hope.

"Well, maybe I'll last more than two years at this one."

*          *          *          *          *

Two weeks later I'm sitting on my suitcase staring at the door for my retriever. The only things in my room is a bed, wardrobe, and little alarm clock all the kids get so they have no excuse if they miss meals. It's just past seven. Shouldn't my 'retriever' be here?  I'm nearly shocked out of my skin when a wrinkled woman with a thin line for a mouth swings the door open like a bat. She's in tartan robes and gold glasses frame her dark eyes. A big black hat sits atop her head and a tight bun sits on the back of her neck.

"Arell Ackley?" She asks and her voice makes me stand a bit straighter.

"Yes...ma'am," I add the ma'am because it makes me feel better to be proper even though I'm wearing ratty jeans and a dirty purple shirt. I pop off my suitcase and stand before her in my dirty glory. My skin and hair are clean at the very least.

"Oh, dear. Are those your only clothes?" She asks, looking a little frightened of me. Bitterness floods my mouth.

"Sorry, we foster kids don't normally wear ballgowns out to town." I snap, refusing to be looked down on by anyone. If I'm not mistaken, her mouth twitches at my words.

"No, I suppose not. Come along, we mustn't be late. I'm Professor McGonagall. I'll be one of your teachers at Hogwarts." She beckons and I follow her down the stairs as she speaks. She moves shockingly fast and I struggle to keep up with her, but I'm just as eager to leave this place as she is. We walk out into the sun and I take a deep breath of free air. Then, I notice McGonagall is already meters ahead of me. I'm quick to catch up with her and soon I'm catching the breeze off her skirts.

"What do you teach?" I ask, unable to satiate my curiosity. Her beady eyes look down at me before she looks back up and continues on her way.

"Transfiguration. I'm also head of Gryffindor house which is one of four at Hogwarts. Now, you tell me what materials you need from the list." She requests and I dig down in my pocket, pulling out the crumpled piece of paper with swirling green script on it. Her wrinkled mouth screws itself up at the pathetic piece of paper, but she nods once.

"Uh, I only need a couple of books and robes. Everything else I have." I tell her and she nods again, this time she seems pleased.

"Good, we only have to stop at two stores then." She tells me and I can tell she's holding something back. I don't have to wonder what for long. "Do you have a broom?" She adds, her eyes quickly looking at me before we take a sharp turn into a dead-end alley. That question brings a small smile to my face.

"Hell yes. Ma'am." I add ma'am sheepishly. "Before being expelled I was the best beater either schools had within a decade." I can't help but brag. There aren't a lot of things I can brag about. "In truth, that's probably why I lasted a second year at both schools." The corner of her mouth lifts as she finally stops us both at the end of the alley.

"I look forward to seeing you play. Now, we're going to apparate. Are you prepared?" She asks and I take her hand in response. My other hand clutches tightly to my suitcase as we suddenly disappear. Apparating has never been a pleasurable experience for me. It feels like going through a washing machine at twice the speed. Luckily it doesn't last long and when we pop out we're in Diagon Alley. The last two times I was here I had to shove and push my way through the crowd but with the professor the crowd parts like the Red Sea for Moses.

It's pretty cool.

Suddenly, I find myself respecting this stern professor. The robe shop is first and it's pretty procedural to have the measurements taken. I've got money put by from my parents' deaths, so at least I don't have to worry about that. After that, we're rushing down the cobbled street bustling with other witches and wizards towards the next store. We reach the book shop in no time and she wastes no time stacking the books in my hands and marching us to the register. "Put those in your suitcase so they're easier to carry." She instructs and I obey, opening my suitcase and tucking the books away easily. McGonagall clears her throat and I look up to find her peeking over my shoulder.

"Yes, ma'am?" I respond innocently as she peers in my never-ending case.

"Is there an enlargement charm on your suitcase?" She asks in an interested voice. Since it doesn't seem like I'm in trouble, I nod. McGonagall purses her lips which I believe is just her hiding a smile, before nodding once. "Very well done." She tells me under her breath. I continue packing with a brilliant smile on my face, but when I'm done and up the smile from both of us is gone. "Time to board the train. Are you prepared?" The professor asks and wraps an arm around my shoulders tightly. We're gone in a second and reappear at King's Cross. I'm a bit woozy, so I lag a bit when she begins to move towards the smoking train. Everyone else has already boarded.

"Professor? Couldn't I...uh, just apparate to the school with you?" I ask hesitantly, not used to asking for favors. Her eyes scan me before her countenance softens slightly. Her long-fingered hand smooths over my back as she faces me for a moment.

"I'm afraid not. I have duties to fulfill not fit for a student's eyes and ears." She tells me and my face falls, my hope of avoiding other people squashed. Her lips turn down when she sees my crestfallen expression. "Arell, you're an intelligent young lady. I have no doubt you'll make friends fast." McGonagall tells me kindly and looks both ways before walking us through the entrance to the train. I stare up at her bitterly.

"No offense professor, but that's bullshit." She stops us in our tracks and looks down at my straight face before letting out a sharp laugh.

"Goodness. Well, I wouldn't worry, dear. I'm quite certain you'll find similarly minded students here to befriend. If you're still having difficulty you can always come by my office for tea. Now, hurry on the train and take your seat." She pushes me gently and I find myself saddened at the thought of leaving her side. Unfortunately, I have to. I walk onto the train, then turn and wave to her as the doors shut. It's a little bit of a strange feeling. I've never had anyone to wave to before. The professor waves back and sends me an encouraging smile before she's gone with a crack. The train starts moving not long after, but I don't even bother looking in any of the compartments.

I just quietly set my suitcase down beside the door and sit on the top of it, pulling out my wand. At least I can do magic without getting in trouble here. For a moment I think about a spell to cast, but pause when two young boys head my way. Both are dirty blondes and the smaller of the two seems to be crying. Just as they're about to pass me, I gently grab the older one's arm.

"Hey, what happened?" I ask with furrowed brows. The smaller looks up and I grimace at his red, blotchy face and the snot dripping from his nose. Poor kid. I look to the taller for an explanation since he isn't crying.

"Some guys were telling him he's a disgrace to his family if he ends up in Gryffindor. Told him if he doesn't get put into Ravenclaw then he won't be allowed back home." He explains to me while running his hand over the young boy's back. Anger flows through me, but I take a moment to crouch before the obvious first year.

"Hey now. Don't you listen to those bullies." I lay a gentle hand on his shoulder and get him to look at me, his blue eyes shining. It only takes me a moment to grab tissues from my case and I wipe his tears away, then the snot. I've had a little experience with the younger kids at the orphanage, although the younger ones never stick around for long. He sniffles and tries a weak smile. "I know the head of house for Gryffindor personally and she's a great lady. That house must be great too. Anyways, do these guys even know your family?" He shakes his head and his tears abate a bit. "Well then, they can't possibly know what they think, right? Just be yourself and you'll do fine." I squeeze his shoulder and stand. "What compartment is it?" I ask the older boy, my grip on my wand tightening in anticipation.

"Fifteen." The older boy answers and I nod.

"Alright. Get him some tissues and maybe a sweetie. Oh, and what are your names?" I remember to ask and nearly slap myself in the face for not asking earlier.

"I'm Daniel Partington. This is Henry Fole." Daniel introduces them and I nod.

"I'm Arell. I'll keep an eye out personally for you, Henry, don't you worry. Don't give those bullies another thought." I tell him firmly and nod to Daniel then slip past them, walking down the hallway with a purpose. "Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen. Ah." My eyes scan the boys in the compartment and I take a few seconds to think as my fingers tighten on my wand. Then, I walk in and shut the sliding door behind me. This should be the perfect way to introduce myself to Hogwarts.

A/N

Well, well, well, I always said I was going to do a Marauders fic and here we are. This fandom has a lot weighing on it and I did my best.

Fun fact; Arell is derived from Aurelia, which means golden-haired or just golden. Like her eyes. ;) First thoughts? I think what's lacking in a lot of these fics is the fact that its a school. Why don't these kids ever go to class??? So, there's going to be a lot of class time, tracking of time, these fics seem to jump around a lot and while there are jumps here, I tried to keep them to a minimum. I really, really tried hard with this. To get the lore right, the time, the period, the magic, while also staying true to the material. Anyway, rant over.

I really hope you all like this! Keep reading!