Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related characters belong to J.K. Rowling. They are used without permission, and no money is being made from this story. All original characters are my creation

What Have I Done

Prologue

Albus Dumbledore stood at his office window looking solemnly out at the vast grounds of Hogwarts School. His hands were behind his back, and though he stood regal and tall, he felt as though he had failed everyone.

Oh, James and Lily. It is my fault you are dead. I hope that you will one day be able to forgive, and I hope Harry will as well.

Dumbledore began to think of the what-ifs that a person often thinks of after a tragedy. What if he had insisted on being the secret-keeper? If he had, Lily and James would be alive, and Harry would not be an orphan. On the other hand, if he had, Voldemort would still be very much alive. A terrible win-lose situation.

What-if…

"Profesor Dumbledore, sir?"

Dumbledore looked up at the voice and turned. He had forgotten that though he was alone in his musings, he was not alone in the office. He smiled somberly at the young woman seated in front of his desk and walked over to sit down himself.

"I'm sorry, Isla," Dumbledore said, "I'm afraid I got lost in thought."

"That's all right, sir," Isla replied, "May I ask what this is about? I received your owl this morning."

"Yes, yes, thank you for your prompt reply. However, before we get into all that, how about a spot of tea?"

Without waiting for an answer, he waved his hand, and a full tea service appeared on his desk. He poured some into a cup and offered it to Isla who accepted with a grateful nod. He took a moment to play the part of a proper host and offered her sugar and biscuits. For a few minutes there was silence in the circular room as they both sipped tea and ate biscuits.

"It's going be a clear night," Dumbledore said finally.

"Yes," Isla agreed.

"No rain," Dumbledore added.

"Sir, you didn't bring me here to talk about the weather," Isla said setting her teacup down.

"No, no I did not," Dumbledore agreed and set his cup down, "Well, then there's no sense in beating around the bush. Isla, I have asked you here tonight because there is a very important mission that I would like to ask you to do for me. You are, of course, allowed to refuse, and I will not think any less of you. However, this, I'm afraid, may be the only way to truly stop Lord Voldemort,"

Isla gasped in terror at the sound of the name, but she recovered her composure and responded, "Tell me the mission."

"I believe that the only way for Voldemort to never come into power is for him to never exist," Dumbledore explained, "And for him to never exist, Tom Riddle must experience the one thing he has never known in his life: love."

"And how could I help with that, sir?"

"I would like to send you back in time to when Tom was still a student here."

"And you want me to…date him?"

Dumbledore chuckled at the disgust in her voice, "Well, I believe that merely being his friend will suffice."

"So, what will I use to go back in time? A time turner?"

"No, I will be sending you with an ancient spell," Dumbledore explained, "It has a few more complications than a time turner, but it's highly more precise."

"When do I leave?" Isla asked.

"Please do not give me your decision until you have heard the complications, Isla."

"Sorry, sir."

"It's alright. When you go back, you won't remember that Tom Riddle might one day become Voldemort and that you are there to stop him. You will only remember that you are there to try and be friends with him. Once you go back, you will have altered the past, and therefore the future. Because of this, no one in the present will remember you, and I will have forgotten all about this mission. This is a great sacrifice I am asking of you, Isla, but I strongly believe that you are the right person for this job."

"What will be my cover story when I go to Hogwarts?"

"You will take a note back with you that explains that you have been travelling around the world with your parents and are coming to Hogwarts to complete your education."

Isla chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully for a moment, "All right, I'll do it."

"You are truly a brave soul, Isla. The Sorting Hat did not make a mistake placing you in Gryffindor. I am truly honored and humbled to be in your presence."

"Anyone would do this sir, I feel honored that it's me you asked."

"Well," Dumbledore said, "I can perform the spell anytime you're ready."

"No time like the present," Isla replied shrugging.

"Then please stand in that circle," Dumbledore replied pointing to a white circle that had been drawn on the floor.

Isla stood in the circle, and Dumbledore began to speak the ancient spell. The room filled with blinding light, and a soft, gentle sound. He stated an exact date, time, and location, and then spoke to the final words of the spell.

The room slowly returned to its regular brightness, and when Dumbledore looked up, he wondered how he had come to be standing in the middle of his office.

"I must be thinking too hard," he said to himself, "I believe a mug of cocoa and some rest will do me some good."

(Author's Notes: Hello, thank you for reading! The real adventure starts in the next chapter. Please R&R, reviews are like fuel for me, and I write faster when I receive lots of 'em!)