Here I sit, my face was graced a polite smile. So this is what they meant when they said Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled knowingly.

I was present in front of one of the greatest wizards of all time.

As a liar.

As a woman on a mission. As a soldier without an army.

I can hear my heart pounding in my ears. It had worked. As evidence of the fruit of my efforts, the cold metal of my time turner rested comfortingly against my skin, under my meticulously chosen, time appropriate robes. I had cautiously cast a disillusionment charm on it. I wasn't about to take any chances.

His eyes twinkled as he looked at me kindly, after scrutinising the paperwork. If he was looking for any mistakes, he wouldn't find any.

"Miss Delacour, I would like to welcome you to Hogwarts. It is not often we get new students, particularly in fifth year. I am not worried as your grades are outstanding." I take this queue to smile somewhat humbly. "Should you require any help or guidance, please do not hesitate to find me or your head boy and head girl." Not likely. "Help will always be found at Hogwarts."My mouth almost twitches into a derisive smirk. I control myself.

"Thank you professor. It is wonderful to meet you, sir," It really was. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Good things, I should hope," his eyes twinkle.

"Of course, Sir." You were the one everyone looked up to. You were the provider of hope, the conqueror of Grindelwald. But you also allowed a monster to grow in front of your very eyes and let too many innocent people die. I will do better than you.

Dumbledore's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, for just a split second. Almost like he knew something was off about me. I did a quick mental check on my Occlumens barriers. Still up. Nothing could penetrate those. I trained to hold them up under the Cruciatus curse for goodness sake. Yes, I may be slightly crazy. You have to be , in order to do what I was about to do.

I tried to relax my shoulders slightly. Sitting up straight like a programmed robot probably wasn't helping my attempt at projecting an image of an innocent 17 year old student.

Dumbledore's kind smile does not falter as he announces, "I am sure you are tired, so I will let your retire soon after we sort you to your house." I nod. "I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to your parents." I had told him they were casualties of Grindelwald's war. Not entirely untrue, just the wrong dark wizard.

I look down for a moment, hoping my murderous glare doesn't show through. I was, after all here for that very reason. I had my time to grieve. Now was my time to finally do something about it. And final it shall be. I feel giddy for a moment and have to fight this reflecting on my face. I settle for a gentle smile.

Professor Dumbledore looked somewhat taken aback by my uncontrollable manic smile that surfaced. Oops. Too intense. Tone it down Sephora. I gradually wipe the smile off my face and try to look solemn, thinking instead about my childhood that was forcibly taken away from me.

After I was sorted, I was escorted to the Slytherin common room by a Headgirl, Olivia Burke. I knew the entirety of Hogwarts of course, like the back of my hand. Though I had never stepped foot here. Along with my first name, the fact that I was home schooled were the only two truths I had told. I was schooled by my borderline-crazy uncle. I was learning unforgivable spells at the age of 7. Any and all fragilities of my character were squeezed out of me by age 10. By then I learnt to be grateful for the teachings of my dear Uncle Cardour. It made me strong.

I used to be the weak girl whose parents were murdered by Voldermort in 1981.

Now I am the girl who will murder Tom Marvolo Riddle in 1944.