When Two Different Worlds Collide.

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Gabriella Hunter growled and kicked her book bag away in frustration. Her best friend, Hermione, blinked at her, and frowned. "Careful, Gab." Harry mumbled from beside Hermione, rubbing his foot where the bag had landed.

Gabriella grimaced, leaned forward, and patted Harry's foot awkwardly. "Sorry," she muttered. Harry shrugged slightly. "I've had worse." Gabriella nodded absentmindedly, and settled back into her chair. She heard a small sigh, and a rustle, before someone gently placed their hand on hers.

"Are you OK, Gabriella?" Hermione's voice asked. Gabriella glanced at her friend, and then out the train window, "Yeah," Hermione gave a disbelieving sigh, before returning to her seat.

Gabriella glanced over to her friends, and shook her head. "Really, It's nothing," she reassured. Harry and Hermione shared a look, before Harry glanced back to Gabriella. "Listen, Gabriella, if you're still struggling for mo-"

Harry was cut off as Gabriella raised a hand sharply to silence him. "We're fine, Harry, Hermione," she began, letting her hand drop, "And, besides, Auntie Bea has a solution." she explained calmly. Both her friends blinked and nodded, before replying with, "OK.".

"Thank you," Gabriella smiled at her two friends, and glanced aroud the small train compartment. "Where's Ron?" she asked with a frown. Hermione scowled. "No idea."

Gabriella sighed, and glanced out the train window. "Oh," she said. "I wanted to say goodbye to him and Gin'." Harry smiled. "I'm sure we'll find them later." Hermione bookmarked her page, and put her book away.

Gabriella smiled as the train began to slow down, and glanced at her two friends. "Auntie Bea said you two could come stay for a week if you'd like." Harry beamed, "Yes!" His green eyes lit up, and Hermione grinned. "I suppose I could."

Gabriella smiled. "Awesome."

The train rolled to a stop, and the three friends grabbed their bags, before slowly making their way off the train. They met up with Ron, Ginny and the Twins as they stepped off the train. Gabriella hugged everyone goodbye, and wished them a happy holiday before walking over to her Aunt.

Gabriella grinned, and hugged Bea. "Hey, Autie Bea." Bea Hunter smiled sadly, and hugged her Niece closer, smoothing her hair down. "Hi, Gabby." Gabriella pulled away, and glanced at her Aunt. "Are you OK?" she asked.

Bea nodded, and placed an arm around her niece's shoulders. "Fine, sweetie." she smiled, and began walking to her car. "I'm having some very important guests over today," she explained, "And I was wondering whether you'd consider wearing the dress I bought you for your birthday?"

Gabriella thought back to the pretty blue dress her Aunt her bought her. It was only meant for special occasions. Frowning, Gabriella nodded. "Is this about money?" she whispered.

Bea smiled tightly, and nodded. "Yes." she opened the door to the passenger seat on her car, and Gabriella slipped in, shutting the door behind her. Bea sat in the drivers seat, and both girls pluggesd their seatbelts on.

"Is everything OK?" Gabriella asked, rather worried about her Aunt's behaviour. Bea nodded, and began to drive. "Fine." she replied.

The short drive home was silent, awkward and filled with worry.

Bea parked the car, and Gabriella left to change and put her clothes away.

The dress had been hidden at the back of Gabriella's wardrobe, still at the bottom of the bag, still neatly wrapped in tissue paper. It was simple and flowy. No lace or bows.