Author's Note: Well, this has gotten bigger than I ever thought! I'm working on the sequel to "The Dance" ("Encore!") and now, its predecessor: the story of Oliver and Fred (Surely you didn't believe Fred's explanation of "It was no big deal. We just had sex." COME ON, PEOPLE! NOT my style at all.). It just jumped out at me when I was getting ready to work some more on the first chapter of "Encore!" Well, it seemed to me that some of you would be interested in their story, anyway. So, for you "The Dance" fans, here is its prologue: Entr'acte

Rating: PG-13, though, it might go higher. I don't know… depends on what the reviewers want XD hint hint Review!

Disclaimer: None of the Harry Potter characters or places are mine. They belong to the LOVELY J.K. Rowling! "The Dance," "Encore!" and "Entr'acte" storylines ARE all mine, though. The stories popped into MY head. NOT YOURS! MWAHAHA!

Pairing: Guess! LOL!

Title: Entr'acte

Act One: Perpetual Dream

…But his voice filled my spirit with a strange, sweet sound;
In that night, there was music in my mind…
…And through music, my soul began to soar;
And I heard as I've never heard before…

What you heard was a dream, and nothing more…

…Yet in his eyes, all the sadness of the world,
Those pleading eyes, that both threaten and adore…

I remember the first time we met. Well, of course we'd seen each other before during the years, but we'd never really spoken. Not really. Sure, we talked a bit about Quidditch and all, but never a real conversation.

But, I consider that day our real first meeting. Strange that I would have known someone for five years before I really knew him. I was sitting in the very back compartment in the train going to Hogwarts in my fifth year. George was off with Lee, so I was alone. He and I had had a spat a few hours earlier, and that just tortured me. But I didn't want to think about that.

"Is this seat taken?" I heard. I looked up and said that he could sit. He took a seat across from me.

"Thanks!" he said, his Irish accent wrapping it's way around my heart immediately. I remember blushing.

"No problem," I said in a tone near a whisper, looking back down at my feet.

In a voice full of concern, he asked, "Hey, are you okay? What's wrong?"

Surprised to find a tear falling down my cheek, I just looked up at him, unable to speak. He came over and sat next to me; rather close, actually. I gasped.

"It's George… he and I really had a bad row this morning… I hate it when we do this!" I said, beginning to sob. "We never fight! When we do, it's almost as if my world collapses. I just want someone who will be there for me forever. Someone who won't ever leave me like he just did. An angel…"

I even surprised myself with that description. Very seldom did I ever open up like that. Even to George. I looked over at him, noting the rather collected look on his face.

"Well then, Fred, what would this angel look like?"

"Oh, he'd have shaggy red hair and deep green eyes… pale skin… the same height or taller than me… But most important, he has to have a great sense of fun and adventure!"

He thought for a moment. "Hmm… Did you just say 'he' or did you mean—"

"What? Umm… I…" I stammered, shocked out of my tears.

He chuckled a bit before saying, "It's fine! Just curious is all. If you don't want to say anything, it's okay."

"No. I may as well tell you. Yeah, that's what I said."

He smiled and said, "Well, excellent! I have red hair and green eyes!" I had to laugh.

"You do! I honestly didn't look at your hair! But… what's your name? I can't remember…" I said. Yeah; completely missed the point there. I was so naïve! …Still am, I guess.

"Oliver! You know that, Fred. I'm your Quidditch captain, idiot! Last year for it, too…"

"Really? Are you quitting?"

"No… I'm a 7th year. I'm leaving Hogwarts soon," Oliver said with a sigh.

"That's right! I remember now!" I said, a little too peppy.

Oliver laughed again. "You jump from happy to sad rather fast, don't you?"

I smiled at him, "Just a little."

Later that night, Oliver and I sat together at the traditional Start of Year feast. The one that I always made a point to sit with George at. Like every feast, really, but especially that one. It was really quite symbolic that he and I would start and end each year together. Until our 7th year, I wouldn't know that it even meant anything to him… but it always did to me.

But, in any case, Oliver and I were some of the first to get into the Great Hall, so we sat in the back of the Gryffindor table, where George and I usually sat. When George walked in and saw us there together, he just walked on. Didn't even say a word or give us a second glance, the prat.

I remember that Oliver sat right next to me, a little too close, considering that we just really began to even talk to each other. I didn't mind, of course, it just seemed so… Oh, hell, I can't describe it. Anyway, we had the usual sorting and eating, but I could feel George's eyes burning on my skin. I just ignored him. It was all his fault anyway.

"Hey, are you going to eat that?" I asked, eyeing his cherry tart on his golden plate.

"Yes!" he laughed.

"I want some! They are all out, see?"

"Fine, take a bite," he said, getting some on his fork and holding it out as to give me a bite. My eyes widened. I wasn't expecting that at all! Nevertheless, I opened my mouth and let him.

"How is it?"

I just could nod. I was completely speechless. Hell, I'd never even began to flirt with someone before in my life! I wanted to, but… how? Oh well, it seemed as if he'd take care of most of that anyway.

"Want another one…?" he asked, gentler that time. I shook my head; I probably would have fallen into his arms mercilessly if he did that again. Hell, I know I would have just from his smile. And… what was wrong with me? I couldn't seem to tear my gaze from his eyes. I couldn't even blink. I don't remember quite how it happened; all I know is that our faces were moving closer and closer, until I could count every freckle on his cheeks…

"Students!" Dumbledore said merrily, breaking us apart in shock.

'Oh well,' I thought. 'If I ever am going to kiss him, it won't be here, in front of the whole bloody school!' Bloody hell, how I was blushing!

And I remember… how at that exact moment, he brushed his hand over mine under the table… and how he took my hand in his, lacing our fingers together so slowly that I thought it was imaginary for a moment.

Well, there you have it! The start of our beautiful relationship… what's that? Oh, you want more? Are you sure? Ours… it's not exactly a happy story, but if you want to know… Well, okay then. The next part is when we actually get closer. Amazing how we fell so quickly, isn't it?