Alright, this is my first fanfic ever so if its not that great please forgive me (hands rose with black silk ribbon to readers). But I enjoyed writing it so I hope you enjoy reading it. The only characters I own are that of the Binet family. I wish I could say that I owned the characters from POTO, but Gaston Leroux and ALW beat me to 'em. Now, on with the story!

Chapter 1: Orrie's Return

Orrie took a deep breath as she entered the Opera House. She never thought she would be so nervous to enter the very place that had once served as a second home to her. Once inside she basked in all its splendor. She had practically forgotten how marvelous it once was, and since the rebuild, the Opera House was as beautiful as ever.

"They restored it so well since the fire" she thought as she ran her hand across the banister of the Grand staircase. "It even has the same scent." As Orrie began to reminisce on the many memories she once made in the Opera House she heard a familiar voice echo behind her.

"I'm glad to see you have finally returned Mademoiselle Binet."

"Madame Giry!" Orrie said with a squeal as she ran to her once personal ballet instructor.

"Come Orrie, let me take a good look at you," Madame Giry said, as she looked the young beauty over. "You have grown into a beautiful young woman Orrie. I trust you have continued your training in dance since you left?"

"Oh yes Madame, Papa would have never wanted me to stop dancing. That's why my aunt allowed me to continue lessons after I was put in her care."

"Well I trust that you will catch on quickly," Madame Giry said as she picked up Orrie's bag. "Come, I will show you to your room."

As they made their way to what was soon to be her room, Orrie's mind became flooded with all of her memories of the Opera House. Her father, Philippe Binet, was once a patron of the Opera House. He had quite a passion for the musical arts, as well as her mother. Her father enjoyed singing and her mother was once a dancer, which is what sparked Orrie's love for both.

She began remembering her first experience in the Opera House. She was very excited to be visiting Paris for the first time. Her family lived in Rouen, and didn't travel to Paris often. Even when her parents did go, Orrie would have to stay home for schooling or to practice ballet. Her father and Mother both fell in love with the Opera House after going to see a performance and her Father soon looked into becoming a Patron, even though the Opera House was quite a distance away from their home. Amazed by the immensity of the House, Orrie had run off to explore the vastness of the building, but being only five she got lost rather quickly. After trying vigorously to retrace her steps, she found herself only becoming more lost. The despair of never finding her own way out took hold of her, and she sat praying someone would find her and cursing herself for becoming lost in the first place.

"I can't believe I'm lost" she thought as she sat in the hallway clenching her knees to her chest. Sunset fell in the nearby window and Orrie prayed that she would be found before nightfall. Time passed slowly and night began to fall.

"This place is so big." She said as she walked a little further down the hallway. She had been waiting for a long time now and she wished to sit in the stream of moonlight that poured from the window.

"What if Mama and Papa never find me." With that thought she began to cry and rock back and forth hoping it would calm her. It didn't work.

A man had heard the girl crying as he lurked about, and was curious to know where it came from. As he passed by a hallway, he noticed a small girl sitting in the moonlight, encompassed by the beauty of night. He examined her attentively as he crept closer to her. She was a pretty little girl. The moonlight danced throughout her auburn curls that gently lay upon her shoulders, framing her tear stained face. The moonlight made her eyes look as blue as sapphire, although they became puffier which each tear. Those eyes seemed to entrance him, the light reflected off of them perfectly and he thought it one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. She was lovely and he couldn't just leave her there.

After a few more moments of sobbing Orrie heard a man's voice call out to her from the shadows.

"Child dry your tears," the man said in a soothing but powerful voice.

Orrie looked up to see a man steeping into the moonlight. He blended into the shadows well with his elegant black suit and flowing cape. He was a strong man and looked very distinguished. His features were well revealed in the moonlight with his slick back hair and rather handsome face, and despite the sternness of his disposition his eyes seemed surprisingly warm. But what most intrigued her was the ivory colored mask which concealed the right side of his face.

"What is your name child?" the mysterious man asked as he knelt next to her

"Oriel Binet, Monsieur." She said letting out a few sniffles. "But my family calls me Orrie." Tears began to fill her eyes again as she muttered her next words "I'm lost."

"A little girl like you shouldn't be wondering around the Opera House alone" he said as he stood up.

Orrie stood up with him, gaining her courage back. "Little!" Orrie said, as if in shock, as she stomped her foot. "I'm nearly SIX!" she exclaimed.

'She's as feisty as Madame Giry' he thought to himself. The man let out a smirk, "Come" he said reaching his hand to her. "We don't want our new Patron missing his daughter for too long now do we."

"Oh thank you!" Orrie exclaimed as she took his gloved hand in her tiny fingers. "What is your name Monsieur?" she said as he began to lead her down the hall.

"I am known as the Phantom of the Opera," he said coolly.

"But I can touch you… People can't touch Phantoms," she said, seeming to be an expert on the matter though she was only five.

"Well you see dear Orrie; I'm not like other Phantoms. I'm an Opera Phantom," he replied smiling down at her.

"Ohhhhhh" she said as if she had understood, even though she didn't.

"All right Orrie, Here we are," Madame Giry said as she opened the door to Orrie's room breaking Orrie from her trance. Orrie was a bit startled at first having been lost in her memories, but quickly came back to reality and made her way into the room.

"Thank you Madame Giry. This will be lovely," Orrie said as she put her things on her bed.

"Well my dear, if you need anything don't be afraid to ask. Your first rehearsal is tomorrow morning at seven and you are free to reacquaint your self with the Opera House tonight if you like." Madame Giry said as she was making her way out the room.

"Madame Giry wait!" Orrie said hesitantly. Madame Giry turned eager to know what was on Orrie's mind.

"Is … he… still here?" Orrie said as she twisted a tiny gold ring around her pinky finger.

Madame Giry quickly noticed the ring that Orrie was fingering and remembered it all too well. "Is who here my dear?" Madame Giry said dryly, trying to avoid the subject.

"You know very well whom I speak of Madame Giry," said Orrie as she gave Madame Giry a look of frustration.

Madame Giry hesitated to answer. She knew that Orrie would ask about him but she hadn't expected it so soon. "No one has seen or heard from him since the night of the fire," Madame Giry finally said after several moments of silence.

Orrie's face became pale and sorrow overcame her as she tilted her head down to look at the tiny ring on her finger. She slowly leaned down to sit on her bed, never breaking her gaze from the tiny ring on her hand. Madame Giry saw that Orrie was wrapped up in her thoughts and slowly shut the door. She felt pity for the child who knew the Phantom as a dear friend, and now for the woman who must go on without him.

Author's note: There it is folks. The first chapter. I know it started kinda slow but it will pick up soon, believe me. Hope you like it so far! The next chapter will be up soon! Read and Review Please! I'd love to know your thoughts and or suggestions. I remain, Viewers, your faithful Authoress. -Maggie