Hi, I'm back, for now. Sorry to anyone waiting on stories but it's come to my attention that I need to start exercising. I can't believe that it's already half way through the school holidays. Time flys.

On with the story, sorry if you guys don't like songs in stories, but this was completely necessary. This song is meant to reflect how she feels and matches what's going on in her life. Sorry again guys, please don't kill me for it. :D

Thank you to 3v3ry1luvsm3, Irenerb, j9162, PremonitionKing, Fanficreader00001 and Guest (Obrigado comentários!). I'm really happy to hear that you all liked it and are interested. I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint.

Disclaimer: I don't own young Justice. The song is 'Stronger' by Kelly Clarkson.

'Why am I actually going to listen to Dick?' Zatanna thought to herself as she was contemplating the idea of listening to her crazy half brother. Her bare feet soundlessly crept across the velvety carpet. Despite her cautiousness to tread lightly, each silent footstep she took seemed to echo heavily. She was surprised by what she was about to do. Sighing she took a deep breath in. What came out surprised her even more.

"You know the bed feels warmer,
sleeping here alone.
You know I dream in colour,
and do the things I want."

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and she paused to think. 'What if someone hears me?' The girl groaned, remembering that the point of her singing was so that someone would hear her. Who would have thought a shower would cause this much trouble? Not even the mountain was this confusing.

She continued brushing her wet black hair while wandering down the empty random hall, not really caring where it ended up. Each hallway looked the same; walls dotted with picture frames, a piece of antique furniture here and there, the grand red rug that ran along the floor, all of it was the same to her. It didn't matter though; she was already lost beyond all belief.

A sudden and slightly crazy thought struck Zatanna. 'Dick just wants me to sing! I've been here 5 days and he's already pranking me! He's probably hiding somewhere around here laughing at me!' She was going to stop singing but a big grin spread across her face and her eyes twinkled with mischief. 'If Dick wants singing, that's what he'll get!' She smiled and raised her voice to loud and clear.

"You think you got the best of me,
think you've had the last laugh.
Bet you think that everything good is gone.
Think you left me broken down,
think that I'd come running back.
Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong"

Without realizing it, she stopped thinking and just sung, thoroughly enjoying herself. She swung in time with her singing, but even that grew into something more. The brush she was holding came up to her mouth and she started singing into it. Thoughts of a scheming little brother were completely forgotten.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
Just me, myself and I
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

You heard that I was starting over with someone new
They told you I was moving on, over you

You didn't think that I'd come back
I'd come back swinging
You try to break me, but you see

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger-"

She bumped into someone with an 'oof'. Standing behind her was the old English butler. All of a sudden her ears and face heated up. A fresh wave of embarrassment washed over her. "You're a wonderful singer, Miss Zatanna." Alfred complemented as he put the china vase he had finished dusting back on its wooden stand. "Were you lost?" he asked. Zatanna nodded shyly and Alfred just smiled, remembering all the times he had found a very lost Master Richard or even Master Bruce. "Go forward, take your first left, second right, then go down the stairs and you'll be in the grand foyer. Your map should provide you with the rest of the directions." He returned to dusting the wooden stand with the vase.

She nodded again and tried to remember what was just told to her. "Thanks Alfred!" She gave him a quick hug then dashed off down the hall. Alfred stood there slightly shocked. It sure was going to be different having a girl in the mansion. He wasn't sure if young Richard would cope or crumble. One thing for sure was that Dick was falling head over heel for her. He sighed. How he hoped Bruce knew what he was doing.

"Uh, Alfred?" The black haired girl appeared behind him again which startled him slightly.

"Yes, Miss Zatanna?"

She grinned sheepishly. "Did you say second right or second left?"

OOOooo000 000oooOOO

Zatanna groaned as she stepped out of the car. Self-consciously she tugged on her short navy blue skirt. She was used to wearing short skirts, but this one was ridiculously short. This insecurity was probably due to the fact that there were going to be people judging and sizing her up. Also, it didn't help that she was smart enough to be in grade 10, and that she hadn't been to a school since grade 3.

Dick jumped out behind her, grinning as always. "You look fine." He said. Zatanna rolled her eyes. 'Why?' She asked herself. 'Why did I get stuck with him?' Something, or more like someone, caught his attention and he dashed off without a word. Zatanna sighed and took a few steps forward. She looked at the fancy silver wire gate as she approached it. It was elegant, a good piece of proof that this was a prestigious school. Her skin burned with the stares of people. 'Be brave Zatanna.' She held her chin up then walked confidently past the gate and into the courtyard. Oh how she hoped she looked more confident then she felt. Zatanna had always believed in having a good first impression. Even from her young grade 3 experience she knew that you couldn't show weakness, or they would tear you to pieces in the vicious cycle.

It hadn't been long before a pretty girl with wavy blonde hair casually strolled up to Zatanna. It was clear that she was rich, popular, demanding and had all the right connections. Her eyes were a soft blue, but Zatanna knew better. She knew that those eyes were more like thin shards of ice, and were as sharp as razors. The blonde girl extended her dainty hand. The expensive corporate deluxe manicure she had was quite obvious. "I'm Bette, the student liaison. Welcome to Gotham Academy." A smile played on her face but Zatanna could see past her nice girl facade.

Zatanna smiled back smugly. She placed her hand in Bette's and shook it lightly, carefully showing off her own dainty fingers and nails. On the weekend, M'gann had given her a pretty mean manicure that was just as good as the rich girls. "Hi, I'm Zatanna."

The girl assessed her for a moment longer before letting go of Zatanna's hand. She smiled and motioned for the raven haired girl to follow. "I think you'll fit in here nicely. Come and I'll introduce you to everybody." They both started making their way to a group of giggling girls and some really cute guys.

As Zatanna followed Bette she thought about what had just occurred. It had been a stand-off. Bette had sized up her not-so-unsuspecting victim and was out smarted. At first Zatanna had been afraid, but something deep down inside her surfaced. Something she had never experienced before, and she liked it. She had gone from a nervous mouse to a sharp-eyed eagle. 'Darn Dick...and Robin...and Superboy! National geographic channel has got to be a form of torture!' Another thought came to her mind. One that slightly saddened her.'What would dad think of my attitude?'

She shook the thoughts from her head. There was no time for thinking of him. Thoughts of him would only hold her back, and like Harm had told her and Artemis, she couldn't fight the world if she was too busy fighting herself. She had the chance to try new things now and that was exactly what she planned on doing.

Good? Bad? Yes, no, maybe? What would you guys like to see in later chapters? Is there anything you think I need to improve on? Thanks for reading and please review. :D