lie to me -RL & SB -

chapter 1

                                                       
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☾ ◯ ☽₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆

Dumbledore strolled through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, his footsteps echoing softly off the stone walls. It was late, and most students were either in their dormitories or sneaking in one last adventure before curfew. He rounded a corner and caught sight of two students engrossed in a hushed, intimate conversation. The boy's hand lingered on the girl's cheek as they leaned in closer, oblivious to their surroundings.

"Ahem," Dumbledore cleared his throat gently, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles. The students jumped apart, their faces flushing as they realized they were not alone.

"Professor Dumbledore! We were just—" the boy stammered, his words tripping over each other. Dumbledore raised a hand, a benign smile playing on his lips. "No need for explanations, Mr. Thomas, Miss Bell. I do believe, however, that it is past curfew. Best you head back to your common rooms before you find yourselves in more trouble."

The students nodded vigorously, muttering hurried apologies before scurrying off down the hall. Dumbledore watched them go, a fond expression on his face. "Young love," he mused, turning back on his path.

He climbed the spiral staircase to his office, the stone steps familiar under his feet. As he reached the entrance, the gargoyle sprang aside, allowing him access with a soft murmur of "Sherbet Lemon." The door swung open, and he stepped inside.

He stopped before continuing any further, sensing something amiss. The air was thick with tension, and an unsettling quiet had settled over the room. His eyes scanned the shadows until they rested on a figure behind his desk.

From behind his desk, a shadow shifted. A girl, covered head to toe in blood, stepped forward, her gaze sharp. The crimson pendant at her neck pulsed with a sinister light, and dark energy seemed to crackle around her. Dumbledore tried to make out her face, but she was still so in the shadows that she couldn't be seen.

He observed her silently. "What is it you need?" He questioned the girl. He made a move to step forward, but was stopped by an unknown force. He looked up, noticing the blood swirling around her. "Ah, a blood witch." Dumbledore noted. "How is it you got my blood?"

The girl gestured down at a bloody tissue he had used earlier. "That was indeed smart. But what would you have done if that wasn't there?" The professor asked.

The girl stood up straight, staring at the man intensely, though her stance wavered slightly. "I have my ways," she finally responded, her voice hoarse and cracking. She had a bit of an accent, but it seemed as though it was out of its time, and Dumbledore couldn't quite place it. Slowly she walked towards him and Dumbledore got a full view of her face. She had long black hair, and piercing green eyes with soft features that didn't match the anger in her eyes. But arguably the most noticeable thing about the girl was a blood-red rune scar on her right forearm.

"What is your name, my dear." Dumbledore inquired, noting the look of fatigue in her eyes. "And what do you need from me?"

The girl looked at him hesitantly before letting go of the hold she had on his blood. If she wasn't leaning against the desk for support, she would've fallen over. Dumbledore reached out to help her, but all she did was hold out her hand before lowering herself down onto the floor.

"My name is Emery Castillo." She began, her voice now devoid of its earlier coldness. She was too exhausted for any emotions. "I need a place to stay... for a while. At least a year."

Dumbledore nodded his head thoughtfully, he opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by Emery. "I know I can't ask for help without offering something in return." The blood witch took a deep breath before continuing. "When the time is right, I will offer up my magic to you. One time, when you truly need it."

Dumbledore scratched his chin before walking towards the shelf and grabbing a hat. Emery looked at it inquisitively. "If you're going to be staying here, you'll need to be sorted into a house." he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "And don't worry about your backstory, dear, I'll figure it out."

Emery nodded her head as Dumbledore placed the hat on her head. She nearly jumped out of her seat when it spoke inside her mind. "Hmm, a blood witch." It said, "I've never seen one of you in Hogwarts before."

"Special circumstances." she muttered, silently hoping she wouldn't have to do much more talking, fearing she would pass out if she used up any more energy. The hat chuckled as if reading her thoughts, and after a few minutes, it spoke its answer. "Better be, Gryffindor."

Emery raised an eyebrow. "I don't know if that's good or bad, but thanks, I guess." The hat let out another chuckle as Dumbledore put it back on the shelf. "Well, since that's sorted, could I be shown to my room so I can get a shower and some sleep?"

Dumbledore obliged and began walking her out. "If I may ask one more question, dear, how old are you?" At the girl's questioning look, he clarified. "I need to know what year to place you in."

"Ahhh." Emery gave him a tight smile. "I'm nineteen, as of today."

"Well, happy birthday, Ms. Castillo. I hope this coming year at Hogwarts treats you well." Emery gave him a short smile as he led her through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, his footsteps steady and reassuring. The castle was silent, save for the occasional rustle of portraits settling into their frames for the night.

"You're in luck, Miss Castillo," Dumbledore said warmly. "We have a guest room prepared for such unexpected arrivals."

Emery walked beside him, her exhaustion evident in the slow shuffle of her feet. The weight of the night's events seemed to hang heavy on her shoulders. She glanced around, taking in the castle, a distinct contrast to the life she had known.

As they reached a heavy oak door, Dumbledore paused. "This will be your room. I hope it will provide you with the rest you need."

He opened the door to reveal a cozy room with a four-poster bed draped in crimson and gold. A small fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a warm glow. Emery felt a wave of relief wash over her at the sight.

"Thank you, Professor," she said softly, stepping inside.

Dumbledore nodded. "Rest well, Miss Castillo. I hope tomorrow you'll join the school for breakfast in the Great Hall.

Emery nodded, watching as he closed the door behind him. She took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the room seep into her bones. Her gaze fell upon a small mirror on the wall, and she caught sight of her reflection. The blood and grime stood stark against her pale skin.

She walked to the washbasin and splashed water on her face, scrubbing away the evidence of her desperate escape. The crimson pendant around her neck glowed faintly, a reminder of the power she wielded.

She shed her blood-stained clothes and stepped into the small adjoining bathroom, letting the hot water cascade over her. The heat soothed her aching muscles, and she closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of peace.

Quickly showering and drying herself, she stepped out of the room. Emery dressed in a simple nightgown provided in the room. She sat on the edge of the bed, running her fingers over the soft fabric of the blanket.

Emery lay down, pulling the blankets around her. The bed was far more comfortable than anything she had slept in for a long time, and the exhaustion finally took hold. Her eyes grew heavy, and she let them close, her mind quieting as she drifted off to sleep.

⤷𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝: 1308

                                                     
  ⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☾ ◯ ☽₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆