Over the next two weeks Fred and George insisted that Renee take a leave of absence from work in order to prepare for her audition. Renee was hesitant to leave the support of the twins and the store in Verity's incapable hands, but when Lee promised her that he would work half her shifts she finally acquiesced. In those two weeks she quadrupled her music study and spent every possible hour practicing until her fingers and arms ached. She quickly got into the habit of waking early, despite how much she hated early mornings, so that she could begin practicing sooner. Oliver joined her in rising early even when his quidditch schedule didn't necessitate that he be awake. He put a cup of coffee in front of her every morning without her asking, and frequently cooked extravagant meals, giving her a heaping plateful, insisting that she needed the sustenance. He chatted cheerfully with her as she slowly gained alertness or sat quietly with her as she looked over her music while sipping her coffee. When she asked him why he was still getting up so early and cooking for her, he insisted it was because he liked it and changed the subject.

After she assured him it didn't bother her he started hanging around the apartment in his free time as she practiced as well. Renee liked having another person to hear her play, it made her a little nervous, and helped her prep for the audition in another small way. Plus it made her smile when she could hear him humming the music later in the day as he cooked or read.

Her preparation for the audition consisted of a dozen or so excerpts from larger, well known orchestral pieces as well as a traditionally played solo. All of the excerpts were infamous for being difficult and exposed parts for a cellist and were typically taught to capable students at a relatively early age to begin preparing them for auditions. Renee had been practicing most of this music for years and consequentially had it almost completely memorized. She still practiced with the music on a stand in front of her, but would frequently close her eyes as she played. When her eyes were closed she could lose herself in playing, and think of nothing but the sound of her cello. She could get swept up in playing and frequently could imagine she heard the rest of the orchestra joining in and playing their parts as she played hers, and she felt as though she was there in a concert hall. It was a transcendent experience that even magic couldn't replicate.

The evening before her audition she had just finished playing her solo, imaging herself on stage and as the last note gently dissipated into the room she slowly opened her eyes to find that she wasn't alone in the room anymore. After days of Oliver keeping her company as she practiced this fact wasn't surprising, however who was keeping her company was surprising. Sitting on the couch just a few feet away was Fred. Renee blinked a few times to bring herself out of her performing trance, and tried to discern the somewhat unreadable expression on Fred's face. After a long pause where Renee continued to look quizzically at Fred, he broke the silence.

"That….was brilliant" he said, "I knew you were good, but blimey Renee, that was the most gorgeous thing I've ever heard."

Renee furrowed her brow, bemused by the lack of a teasing edge to his voice, or the usually mischievous twinkle in his eye. He seemed entirely serious, but she couldn't be sure.

As if reading her mind Fred exclaimed "I'm serious! I...I…wish I had the words to tell you how amazing that was. Please believe me, I would never joke about something like this!"

His face was the picture of genuine sincerity, his hazel eyes wide and his usually grinning mouth now set seriously straight.

Renee felt herself blushing and quickly stood up and busied herself with putting away her music and cello. She was touched by Fred's sincere awe of her playing and wasn't entirely sure how to respond to him when he was being so serious.

"Thank you," she said finally in a quiet voice, "What you think means a lot to me. I can only hope the audition judges feel the same."

She heard Fred get up. She turned around to find he had crossed the room and was standing in front of her.

"They will," he said. "You have a completely different kind of magic when you play. And anyone with two ears and a brain will know how amazing and special you are."

She smiled up at him, meeting his dancing hazel eyes. He always knew what to say to make her feel better, more at ease. Her fears and worries never seemed as daunting when he was with her. She knew they were standing unusually close, she could feel the warmth of his body and was surprised to realize how much she ached to touch him. She looked up at his softly curving mouth and unbidden into her mind came the thought of kissing him. Renee's heart was beating a little too fast and hard, as though it might escape her chest.

"I came by to wish you luck" he said, "not that you need it." And then, as though reading her thoughts, he leaned in slowly and gently pressed his lips to hers. With barely any thought Renee's lips responded, returning the kiss with enthusiasm. Encouraged by the reciprocation, Renee felt Fred wrap his arms tenderly around her, as her own hands slid around his back. It was as though the floodgates had been opened. All the feelings of attraction she had been keeping back from herself came crashing into her, overwhelming her as she stood, wrapped in her best friend's arms. And as they kissed the stress of the upcoming audition melted away. After a short while she pulled away somewhat and they parted reluctantly, although Fred kept a hold of one of her hands and gently toyed with it as he spoke again.

"I'm sorry Renee," he said bashfully, his playful self returned. "I only meant to wish you good luck in the usual friendly way. But your playing overcame me and I had to show my appreciation of you and your music in more drastic fashion."

"I may have gotten carried away", he added ruefully.

"Cello music gets you amorous then?" Renee replied, teasing. "I should have played for you ages ago."

"Yes, you should have. But I also should have kissed you ages ago." Fred replied, smiling sweetly at her, no hint of a joke in his tone. Renee felt her heart jump at his words and couldn't help herself from grinning. He glanced at his watch.

"Drat it all, I need to get back to the store." He said, "I promised George I would take over inventory so he could go woo Angelina.

"Sweet, darling Renee," he said taking both her hands in his. "You are one of the most remarkable women I've ever met, and there is no one more deserving of this job than you." He squeezed her hands, hesitated a moment, and then leaned in again and kissed her once more. Renee felt the same wave of excitement and overwhelming attraction as their lips met and then it was over as he pulled away and moved towards the door.

He turned back at the door and said "I expect all the auditioners to be as smitten with you by this time tomorrow!"

"Although," he added, "I'd rather you not kiss any of them to get them to get the job!"

Renee laughed and then stuck her tongue out at the rascal as he winked and shut the door behind him.

"Blimey," she said to herself, collapsing on the sofa. "If I was going to get any sleep tonight, I certainly won't now!"

Her mind was spinning with audition worries, but they seemed to carry less weight as she floated the rest of the night on a cloud of happiness. She marveled at how happy two little kisses could make her, and refused to let her mind wander to the complications of getting involved with her boss. First she had to get through this audition, and until then she had the memory of his lips on hers, and the way he looked at her after she finished playing to carry her through the night.