Little Earthquakes
I don't own Phantom of the Opera or Harry Potter
"Years go by, will I still be waiting for somebody else to understand... sometimes I hear my voice and it's been here, silent all these years..." -Tori Amos
Chapter 1- Luddite
Erik walked the streets of Surrey sneering at the people around him. Even after all this time he did not like people- especially when they were staring at his mask. He didn't know why he agreed to the music teacher of Surrey Primary School's proposal. It was highly unlikely that he would find someone who he'd be willing to teach among these spoiled upper class children.
The principal was waiting outside with another man that Erik assumed was the music teacher. The principal was a blonde man who bore more than a passing resemblance to Erik's old rival, Raoul. He wore a trendy suit and was scowling at the other man until he noticed Erik. The other man was small and stout with beady green eyes and messy dark red hair. He was wearing a tweed suit that was a few years out of style.
The principal introduced himself, "Hello. I am principal Chagney and this is our music teacher, Solomann. You must be Erik." Principal Chagney walked back into school confident that Erik would follow. Mr. Solomann did not say a word on their way to the pricipal's office though he was aware of his boss' displeasure. There was a small dark haired boy with green eyes sitting on the wooden bench outside Principal Chagney's office. His legs were swinging gently as he hummed quietly to himself. Erik walked right by the boy into the office ignoring the boy's gaze on his mask.
Principal Chagney did not offer Erik or Mr. Solomann a chair when they entered the office but instead got straight to business. "I do not understand the big deal about you but Mr. Solomann assures me that your being here is an honor. I will have the students perform for you during their music class."
Erik's body language changed slightly with displeasure. He spoke softly, "No, that would not be enough time. Erik will start as soon as his assistant, Nadir, arrives. That will be approximately an hour from now. Mr. Solomann went through a lot of trouble to get Erik here and he's told that it would be rude to not give the students a fair chance. Though if Erik had known that the school was run by a luddite he would not have agreed to Mr. Solomann's proposal." The hatred in his voice was palatable on the word English- it was like a curse.
Mr. Solomann noticed the threat that Erik had given him. He knew some of Erik's past. It would not be wise to piss him off. "Per-perhaps a compromise?"
Erik spoke smoothly, "Erik is here at your request. Be careful of what you ask." Solomann read the assent that was wrapped in that statement.
Principal Chagney was not as willing. "The students' education is much more important than some half assed performance for a stranger who isn't even here." Principal Chagney nearly wet his pants from the anger that Erik was emitting without saying a word.
Erik slowly brought his hand into his duster and appeared to be fingering something inside. Nadir suddenly appeared at the door. "Nadir, what a delightful surprise. Erik was not expecting you for some time yet."
Nadir raised a hand, "No you may not. I don't care what he said."
Erik whined, "But he doesn't even know who Erik is."
Nadir sighed, "Look, why don't you go on a tour with-" Mr. Solomann raised his hand slightly, "-him and I will talk to…?"
"Principal Chagney" supplied Mr. Solomann.
"Principal Chagney about who you are." finished Nadir.
Erik's hand left his coat. "Erik agrees with that. Come find him when you are done." Mr. Solomann and Erik left the office.
Nadir smiled gently and ran a hand through his hair "You'll have to forgive Erik he's a bit…eccentric, but then again most geniuses are."
The principal was slightly mollified "A genius, what type of genius can't use basic grammar?"
Nadir muttered "muggles" under his breath, then louder, "Erik is hailed as one of the best musical geniuses in the world. Nobles and even kings would give up most of their fortunes for the opportunity given to your students for free."
Principal Chagney inhaled sharply, "He's that important then?"
Nadir smiled viciously, "That and more. I believe we should go back to Erik and the teacher before someone pisses him off enough for him to leave before hearing the students."
The principal was not a stupid man. The school had to avoid bad publicity from this visit since Erik apparently was so famous. He gestured for Nadir to leave the office before him. When he passed the small black haired boy still waiting on the bench he snarled "Go back to class you little troublemaker. I'll deal with you later." The small boy got up from the bench and ran off into the halls.
Nadir and Principal Chagney found Erik and Mr. Solomann in the fourth grade hall near the music room. Mr. Solomann gestured for Erik to peak into one of the classes but he declined with a curt gesture. Nadir stepped up to the door and saw the students working diligently. Erik had lost patience with the tour while Nadir was having words with Principal Chagney.
"Erik is here only to listen to your students. Take Erik and Nadir to the music room they will wait there." Mr. Solomann scurried off to the music room, Erik and Nadir strolled behind him and Principal Chagney stomped back to his office.
The music room's instruments were the typical type that inhabit elementary schools. None of the school's sumptuousness was visible in the small room. Nadir was not very surprised after speaking to Principal Chagney. Erik went straight to the piano and deemed it unfit to play. Every instrument was rejected by Erik and he was growing angry. "Why did you invite Erik to come here when you don't have a single thing for him to?" Luckily Nadir reminded him of the violin in his car before Erik lost his temper.
Nadir was even more aware of the students staring at them than Erik. Nadir took his violin from the car and gave it to Erik who took it after giving him a look. Nadir silently promised to explain why his violin was in the car later.
Back in the music room Nadir read a book while Erik played a song on the violin that Mr. Solomann listened to intently. The remainder of the hour before they were to start was spent that way.