This is my first fanfiction for Phantom of the Opera. I have done a fanfiction before, but it didn't work very well. I am hoping to do better with this one. The song in this chapter is from the movie "The Prince of Egypt."

Thoughts

Chapter 1

The sun's beams were just touching the Opera Populaire as it rose. The golden statues on the roof top glistened with a magical beam. All inside the opera house slept peacefully. All except two people.

Nicole sat in the chapel. She was one of the newer ballerinas. The candlelight glistened on her dark brown curly hair. Her hair flowed down to her waist. Her eyes were closed, and her hands were folded in prayer.

"Lord, I still can't put my parents' death behind me. I never want to forget them, but I thought the pain would be gone by now. I feel completely alone in the world. Please help me to get over this pain and my loneliness," Nicole prayed.

Flashback

"Mommy don't leave me," an eight-year-old Nicole said.

"Sweet heart I am only going to the market. Besides I will always be with you when you dream," Nicole's mother said as she hugged Nicole.

End of Flashback

"I know you are in my dreams mother. I love you for that. I just wish I could remember you without the enormous pain I get in my heart." Nicole bent her head and put her hands over her heart. When she looked up, she began to sing a lullaby her mother used to sing to her.

"Hush now my baby.

Be still love don't cry.

Sleep as you're rocked by the stream.

Sleep and remember my last lullaby.

So I'll be with you when you dream."

What Nicole did not know was that the Phantom of the Opera was behind the wall, listening to her. He was heading back to his lair when he heard Nicole praying. "It seems I am not the only one in Paris who is lonely," he thought. Nicole's singing is what surprised him. "She sings just like Christine. No, I didn't think that. No one is like Christine."

A bright flash of light in the chapel interrupted the Phantom's thoughts. As the light faded, the form of a middle-aged woman could be seen. "Professor Macready," Nicole said. " What are you doing here? What is worth risking the secrecy of the wizarding world?"

"I came to see you," replied Professor Macready.

"About what, professor," Nicole asked.

"Hogwarts is in need of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The headmaster and I would like you to have the position."

"Oh, that is why you are here," Nicole said.

"What is wrong Miss Turner? We thought you would be thrilled," Professor Macready asked.

"It is not that professor. I am overjoyed that you would want me to teach at Hogwarts. I just don't feel like I belong there at the moment. My life is here, for now. I suspect one day I will return to Hogwarts and the wizarding world. Just not today."

"Well, if that is the way you feel dear."

"It is. I do appreciate the offer professor. Thank you."

"Your welcome. Just remember Miss Turner that you are always welcome at Hogwarts."

"I will professor. Farewell, until next time."

"Until next time."

A bright flash of light once again filled the chapel. As it faded, the professor could no longer be seen.

"I don't understand," the Phantom thought. "She had a chance to be with others like her. Yet, she gave it up to stay here." He stared into Nicole's emerald green eyes. "I was right. She is not just like Christine. I shall have to keep my eyes on this one." He turned from Nicole's eyes and continued the journey to his lair.