(Summary Continued) ...about her. She carries a journal with her, which holds her thoughts... and which holds a secret. As the school year at Hogwarts progresses, the true persona of the girl is revealed. No one, not even Dumbledore, could have expected what was coming.

Author's Note: Even though this is slowly progressing and I haven't written in such a long time, I hope you enjoy this new one! It'll be interesting with a few twists. :)

Before you read: I began writing this fic before the 6th and 7th book came out. In summary, my plot has nearly nothing to do with the original Harry Potter plot, so please do not correct me if certain characters come up when they are either really dead/in prison/etc... in the Harry Potter series. Thanks in advance and reviewing is always appreciated.

Chapter One:
Nathara

The moment she walked through those thick doors on that winter evening, it seemed as if a spell was cast on every student in the Great Hall. The noise level died down almost immediately and all curious eyes were on her. She stood in the doorway for a moment, scanning the room as she made her way to the front where Albus Dumbledore stood waiting for her.

Her name is Nathara. She was of an average height with golden skin that bronzed in the hot sun. She had transparent brown almond eyes and a full glossed pout. Her long dark golden brown hair cascaded around an almost perfect physique. Often, she was called a goddess.

"Everyone," Dumbledore said. "I would like you all to please welcome our new student."

The Great Hall was filled with light applause and after her brief introduction the girl joined her housemates. As she settled in, girls in Ravenclaw began whispering amongst themselves while Gryffindor and Hufflepuff just simply stared. Very little open conversations were made through the remainder of supper.

At the Slytherin table, Nathara sat somewhat isolated. The students did not know how to react. A girl akin to a goddess had appeared before them. Some were curiously hesitant in her presence. Others acted as if she did not exist.

In the dim Slytherin common room later in the evening, Nathara sat in front of the fire with a hazy smile on her face. She did not speak or bother to mingle, leaving a mysterious air about her. On the other end of the room, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, and their small group of friends sat whispering about the new girl. There was something odd and intimidating about her that left them appalled. In the end, it was Pansy, who in slight annoyance, decided to confront her.

"So," Pansy said aloud so her friends were able to hear her. She stood in front of Nathara with her arms crossed. "What brings you to Hogwarts?"

Nathara returned from deep thought and slowly brought her gaze up to Pansy. She stared at her for a moment, smirked, and said nothing.

Pansy waited for a response. "Well?"

Nathara turned her attention back to the blazing fireplace. Unexpectedly startled, Pansy became stiff.

"You… you don't talk much, do you?" She stated. "Either that or…" She trailed off. Nathara's eyes rapidly looked at her again in almost a menacing manner. That was enough to send Pansy almost running off.

Nathara's life is, in truth, a mystery. She was borne into a pureblood family in Yorkshire, England. Her mother is a Scottish Asian and her father is of English nobility with old money. They only really communicated within their family and close relatives, yet they had a wide range of understanding about the goings on in the Ministry and the rest of the wizarding world. Her entire family, and generations before her, kept themselves concealed.

The majority of Nathara's seventeen years of life was spent travelling. She has been to two schools of magic, including Durmstrang in Bulgaria and Salem Institute in America. Now she was sitting in the girls' dormitory at Hogwarts, completing her final year of magical education. Nathara was skimming through the Daily Prophet as she watched Pansy and two other girls gossip quietly in the bed furthest from hers. At various times, they would glance in her direction. Nathara shook her head and smirked at their ignorant assumptions of her.

It was dawn and the sun was just beginning to rise, revealing the fresh coat of snow that fell overnight. Pansy stirred by the sounds of quick steps against the stone floor. Through her partially opened eyes, she saw Nathara pacing, then rummaging through her trunk. She was already fully dressed.

"Class doesn't start for another two hours," Pansy grumbled.

Nathara turned and she looked apologetically at her.

"I'm sorry I woke you."

Pansy was taken back. She blinked her eyes until the fatigue disappeared. The other girls had wakened from hearing Nathara speak. Her voice was soft and silvery; the words flowed gracefully from her lips when she spoke. This tone was completely bewildering, for it was not expected to emerge from such an intimidating girl.

"It's alright," Pansy yelped.

"I was just looking for something. I think I might have misplaced it or forgotten it at home. Well I'll just owl my parents I suppose. Anyway, sorry again. I'll be off." Nathara picked up a black tote bag full of books and was on her way out.

"Pansy!" Pansy blurted hesitantly.

"Sorry?"

"My name. It's Pansy Parkinson."

Nathara laughed lightly. "Oh I see. It's a pleasure. I'm Nathara." She turned on her heel and left.

On her way to the Great Hall, she saw the few students who were up stare as she passed by. There were traces of fear in their eyes and she merely smiled, as if pleased with their reactions. Upon turning a corner, she bumped into three people.

"Oh—" Nathara whispered daintily and stopped.

"Sorry," The group muttered in unison.

Nathara's eyes traveled to one of them and she smiled.

"Harry Potter," She said in her silvery voice. "What a surprise. It's quite an… honour to finally meet you in person. I'm growing tired of just reading about you."

"Er, yeah," Harry forced a smile. "You're the new girl, aren't you?"

Nathara nodded.

"You don't believe the rubbish written about Harry, do you?" Hermione narrowed her eyes.

"Oh no, of course not! It all sounds rather—how can I put this—made up? Exaggerated? Besides, who would joke about You-Know-Who returning to power? I just find what they have to say rather amusing."

"Amusing?" Harry exclaimed. "I hardly find it amusing. Those false articles have made my life even more miserable than it should be."

Nathara shrugged. "Well, then I apologise. I'm sure I'd be annoyed myself with rumours constantly flying about."

Ron snorted. "What's with the act? What's a Slytherin doing apologising, let alone having a conversation with us?"

"What—can I not make friends?" Nathara looked at him with wide, innocent eyes.

"Oh, come off it, Ron! She's new!" Hermione hit him on the arm. "Nathara, isn't it? I'm glad a Slytherin is finally breaking that ridiculous rivalry. It's unnecessary if you ask me."

"I see. And you know my name?"

"Of course. I was actually listening to Dumbledore last night while everyone was oddly frightened. Anyway, I'm glad you decided to come to Hogwarts. I'm Hermione Granger."

"I should get going. It was a pleasure meeting you three," Nathara smiled and walked into the Great Hall. More students were up and she spotted a few familiar faces at the Slytherin table.

"Hello again. I didn't notice you pass in the corridors," She sat beside Pansy, who looked at her in disgust.

"On the contrary I saw you. What're you doing talking to Gryffindors!"

Nathara laughed. "It's the rivalry isn't it? Yes, Hermione Granger told me. But honestly, what's the problem?"

"It's beyond a simple rivalry," Pansy hissed. "It's a matter of separating the true witches and wizards with mudbloods. It's a disgrace even breathing the same as them, I believe!"

At that moment, Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, and Blaise Zabini joined them.

"Good morning, Draco," Pansy welcomed him with a broad smile and forgetting everyone else. "Sleep well?"

Draco shrugged and took a slice of toast. "It was the same."

"Hello there," Blaise smiled and settled himself beside Nathara. "I'm Blaise Zabini and you must be the new girl. May I just thank you for gracing your presence here at Hogwarts and beautifying it with your arrival?"

Nathara grimaced. "Erm, sure."

She turned away and did not listen to the remainder of Blaise's lovesick speech. Instead, she focused her attention on Draco, who sat across from her lazily eating. He noticed her as if for the first time and ceased his chewing.

"Shut up, Blaise," Draco demanded and looked at Nathara. "So, you're the new girl?"

Before she could answer, Pansy cut in.

"Oh, she's in my dorm now. Her name's Nathara," She gasped and said in a low whisper, "She was talking to Potter and those friends of his. Draco, please tell her about them for her sake and Slytherin—"

Draco put a hand up and Pansy stopped.

"I've told Potter this years ago and he was foolish enough to deny it. You should know this already, though. We're purebloods and we're the only ones that belong in the wizarding world. Whoever came up with this nonsense about finding muggles and teaching them magic was obviously mental. No matter what others say, purebloods will always be the better wizard or witch. You understand, don't you?"

Nathara stared at him for a moment. "Yes, of course I do."

Her voice surprised Draco, who blinked rapidly several times before responding.

"Good."

"Look, just stick with the Slytherins okay? It's not very diffucult." Said Pansy.

Nathara raised an eyebrow and didn't bring the subject further. She grabbed an apple and picked up her things.

"I'll see you in class. I'm off."

She was first to enter the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. The room was completely empty and she chose a seat on the front right corner. She took out a small piece of parchment and began writing to her parents. As she finished and put the note away, Snape walked in.

"Well, well," Snape briskly took his place in the front. "The new student didn't get lost on her first day. Trying to make a good first impression, are we?"

Nathara sat upright and folded her hands together. "I know my way around the castle. It's not very difficult. After all, I have been schooled in one before.

Snape studied her and tapped his fingers on her desk. "You don't need to kiss up to me. You'll make your experience in my class worse if you do. And I don't need an attitude from you."

"I do not and never will kiss up to you or anyone. I am capable of doing well without it. Besides, I personally feel that I shouldn't make an effort to please others." Nathara narrowed her eyes and gave him a smart smile

"Watch yourself." Snape whipped around and disappeared through a door behind his desk.

Two boys entered the classroom at that moment and seated themselves beside Nathara.

"Hello again," Blaise leaned in. "I don't believe you've met this friend of mine." He nodded to a bored-looking boy next to him.

"Theodore Nott. Pleasure." Nott gave her a small nod.

"So, how do you like it at Hogwarts so far? A bit of a drag, isn't it?" Blaise sighed. "But I can make things exciting for you if you like."

Nathara glared. "I've barely been here one day, Blaise. And I'll have to decline your gracious offer."

"Hello, Nathara!" Hermione called as she, Harry, and Ron made their way to her.

"Hi, Hermione."

Blaise and Nott looked at them with dumbfounded expression but said nothing.

"No hello, Harry?" Nathara asked.

"Er… I was just about to—"

"Only joking," Nathara winked.

Ron inched his way to the other end of the room and Harry and Hermione followed.

Snape emerged from the back room just as the bell rang and students rushed into class.

"Quiet down," Snape ordered.

The lesson and lectures began immediately. Snape proceeded with non-verbal spells and had no consideration to review the previous lesson with Nathara, whose eyes were glued to him but her mind was elsewhere.

"Can the new student help remind us of the advantage of non-verbal spells?" Snape looked at Nathara, waiting for an answer.

Hermione's hand slowly raised into the air when there was no response.

"Wait, Miss Granger," Snape shot at her.

At this, Nathara became away that she had been called on. "Oh—sorry. The advantage of non-verbal spells? Your opponent has no knowledge of what magic you are going to conjure, giving you a split-second advantage."

Everyone in class was stunned. She said this with no hesitation and no one but Hermione answers in that manner. Even Snape needed a moment to absorb this, but took no chance in showing it.

"Well," He cleared his throat. "That is correct. Have you read—"

"The Standard Book of Spells?" Nathara shook her head and laughed. "I haven't even opened the thing. It was rather useless of me to purchase it.

"Impressive. Ten points to Slytherin. I expect you've already studied non-verbal spells?"

"I may have slightly touched on the subject."

Snape's eyes lingered over to Hermione. "Hear that, Miss Granger? I think you may have a bit of competition. You may not be the cleverest witch after all. And for her to be in my house… " He trailed off and looked pleasingly at the Gryffindor's incredulous faces.

"Oh please, sir," Nathara said earnestly. "I was only answering when you called on me and I just happened to have some knowledge of it. Please take no pride and interest in comparing me with Hermione Granger. It would be most unflattering, really."

The Slytherins sniggered at this.

"Honestly, it's no joke!"

Hermione let out an outraged huff.

After class in the corridors, Nathara was waiting for Pansy when she felt someone prod her shoulder. She turned and saw a scarlet Hermione. She was extremely embarrassed, angry, or both.

"Ouch! That was a bit rude!"

"I should tell you the same thing!" Hermione's lips curled. "I thought we'd be friends! What you said in class—"

"Oh Merlin," Nathara sighed. "Are really very upset with me about that?"

"Should I not be?"

"If you listened, I wasn't offending you, or trying to for that matter. I just personally don't like being compared to others. I didn't realise you were the smartest at this school, but since I'm informed of that little fact, then I apologise. I admire that everyone here recognises you as an intelligent witch. But just a bit of advice, confronting me after class about it is a bit arrogant."

"Well I was offended and the others had the same idea. Why do you think they were laughing? And arrogant?" Hermione frowned.

"Yes, arrogant. I already apologised, but that's the way I am. If you want me to say you're more intelligent than I am so we could get on with our lives, then I will."

"That's not necessary and beyond the point. Just forget it. I'm sorry as well for making a fuss."

"You make a fuss out of everything that hurts your reputation, Granger," Draco emerged from the classroom with Pansy behind him.

"You—" Ron came forward and made an effort to swing at Draco, but Harry grabbed him.

"Come on, they're wasting our time," Pansy sighed in annoyance and walked down the corridors.

"Did you have to call her a mudblood?" Nathara pulled Draco by the arm once they were out of earshot.

He stopped and looked heatedly at her. "Is it so wrong that I'm on your side?"

"You didn't have to interrupt! We were solving it decently until you came in and nearly started a fight!"

Draco was speechless. He stared at her a moment longer and walked away to catch up with Pansy. Nathara followed after. They came upon an unoccupied stonewall and sat down.

"You know I'm right, Draco. It's no good ignoring the subject, or me."

"What're you brawling about?" Pansy asked.

"Nothing. Just drop it. You win, alright?" Draco scowled and folded his arms.

Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle exchanged horrified looks. Draco Malfoy just turned down an argument and did not bother to save his pride.

"Did you just say 'you win'?" Pansy gasped. "Are you feeling sick?" She felt his forehead but Draco moved away.

"He's fine. Come off it. He's just mad because I'm right. I'm guessing you always had things your way?" Nathara said. When Draco didn't answer, she continued. "I'll take that as a yes. I'm the same way. My father's old money and I assume you're the same?"

Draco looked mystified. "So? Where're you going with this?"

Nathara shrugged. "Just making conversation and finding common ground. Look, you're talking again." She smiled

Pansy's eyes grew wide in shock as she saw Draco smile. She pursed her lips and turned away.

"You're absolutely amazing," Blaise gawked at Nathara. "I think you are a goddess, a manipulative one at that. Draco just abided to you!"

"Shut up, Blaise," Draco smirked.