A Phantom and a Ghost

DISCLAIMER: I do not own POTO or the characters within for they were already created by Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and other published authors and composers.

A/N: This is my first fan fiction that I started around 6 years ago wrote the first chapter and due to life circumstances was unable to go any farther. I am in the process of reviving it and this time putting it up. I was going to write the entire tale out before posting so I could get all chapters up asap but have since decided to put up just the first chapter to see if anyone would take interest. If there is an interest then I will finish it hoping to put up a chapter every other day. Please review and let me know what you think.

-We all know the story, so I am NOT going to retell it. My story starts just after the fire from the 2004 ALW movie.

CHAPTER 1

Two weeks after the fire...

"Andre, what are we to do that damned Phantom has ruined us!"

"Calm yourself, I do believe I have the solution. Someone has written..." As Andre says this he is pulling out a piece of parchment.

"Oh blast! Not more notes!" Firmin exclaimed in a panic as he saw the paper in his partner's hand.

"Don't interrupt! I was going to say an offer for five percent about what we paid originally." Andre then pushes the offer towards Firmin.

"Splendid, splendid, and when are we to meet the gentleman in question?"

"We are not, and it is a woman who for her own safety wishes to remain anonymous."

"Oh, great..."

"Just you shut up we are taking the money and running. Is that clear?"

Up in the rafters the Phantom was hiding, listening, and planning...

"So, an anonymous woman has bought my opera house. This could work to my advantage. Perfect, this is perfect."

Later that day...

"Good day gentlemen. I trust you find everything in order and are ready to leave MY office."

"Yes Madame..." the two men state in unison.

"I told you two fools to stop it with that Madame business! Now, where is this Madame Giry woman at! The short black clad woman wearing a cape and hood as if to keep herself hidden from all eyes says in a short cut-off tone and manner. Turning to see the poor former owners still cowering in the doorway she demands, "Why are you two still here? I WASN'T TALKING TO YOU, GET OUT!"

"My, my, I would say your temper almost measures His." Madame Giry states as she cautiously enters the enraged woman's office. Looking in every shadow as if looking for someone she takes a seat without being offered. "You might do well to control that temper, he may not like a woman owner and I know he won't appreciate you blowing up at him like that. He isn't a coward like those two are."

"Forgive me Madame. What with the matter we discussed I am on edge and having moods. Lets get down to business shall we." As she is about to speak she looks at the hole in the ceiling of the burnt out office and begins speaking as she is certain he is there. "If you will kindly come down here so we can get started. I am not starting this meeting until all parties are present and I would like to be out of here and on my way home before dark."

"You will not speak to me in such a manner. The only reason you are not dead where you stand is you are a woman."

"You think your threats scare me! There things far worse than you will ever be lurking in the corners of my life so shut up, set down, and let the meeting begin."

Madame Giry while not afraid of the Phantom knowing he would not intentionally harm her fears for her safety in the cross fire of this battle of wills and is unsure as to whether this woman would harm her or not. Thoughts such as this running through her head as she watches what is happening. Finally gathering courage to speak again, "Yes the meeting. Can we get started now? Our new owner is right to not want to walk home after dark."

"Thank you Madame. If it pleases his royal highness Madame you will continue to be the ballet mistress. I trust this is acceptable to all involved." Taking out a stack of papers the woman eyes the Phantom with anger. "You will not terrorize the opera ever again so long as I am here. I have an offer for you." Handing the papers to him says, "These are the deeds to the place. As you can see the cellars and the opera itself are two seperate deeds. I am deeding the roof and lower cellars to you. The rist is opera property and will be respected as such."

"You will turn everything over to me and follow my commands Madame." The Phantom states this as he starts to pocket the deeds.

"I thought you would say as much so here is the deal." Pausing a moment to get an envelope, "You will get your salary and I will run the opera per your requests as long as they are reasonable. Here is the first 20,000 francs to show I am genuine. You can keep Box 5 and I will read all notes from you as long as you leave them either in Box 5 or this office. There will not be notes raining from the heavens as in the past to scare away employees."

"This I can agree with as long as my demands are followed. First of which will be that that wretched woman Carlotta NOT be allowed to perform here under any circumstance."

"I agree, but we need a lead soprano until we can find a suitable replacement. Carlotta however won't agree to perform here even temporarily. She had a nervous breakdown when I approached her. They have her locked in a mental hospital as she is quite insane and I don't think the two of you could handle two unhinged women right now." Thinking for a moment she seems to have come to a solution. "I don't know if she would agree or if you would want her here after your opera fiasco but, what of Miss Daee?"

Both Madame Giry and the Phantom pale and look as they have been stabbed but for different reasons. "I assure you it would only be temporary as once she is married she would no longer be able to perform publically."

"We agree" the two whom fear what may happen on the young sopranos return say in unison.

"Good, now all I have to do is approach her and the Viconte to see if they will agree to her taking the stage once agian. I pray this works for I know I could never be on stage myself. My days of performing have long ended. That is why my place is now an office not the arts." Bending to pick up her cane that fell into the floor she makes an odd noise as if pained but ignores it til she notices she can not stand. "Unless either have something more to add this meeting is finished. Madame I would like to meet with you regularly to check the ballets progress and Phantom do tell me a name to call you for I shall not refer to you as Phantom or OG. We will meet weekly face to face in addition to any notes you may have for me and I for you. Is this acceptable?

"Yes, and as for a name call me Erik. You haven't given your name. What shall we call you?"

"I am Christine Angel DeChaney, cousin to the Viconte though he may not remember me as I am Phillipp's age and did not associate with either very much."

"So I take it that boy will still be patron? Am I to suffer with his presence in my box as well?"

"I still need to discuss with him his continued patronage or no. As for Box 5 it is yours. He will be in the former owners box and I will either sit in my office or somewhere out of the way off stage as I doubt you would want my presence in your box wich will be labeled the owner's box as to keep all arguement of sales of that box down. Does this meet your approval?"

"Yes it does, good day Madames."

"Where are you staying? Would you like me to walk with you to your..."

"No Madame that won't be nessessary as I can not walk now. I will stay here in this room and sleep in the floor."

"If you are staying here because it is dark you could stay in a dressing room or the dorms. You do not need to sleep on this floor."

"Remember what we discussed earlier. My life has been a hard one and my body has paid the price. I can not walk home as my legs refuse to work." As she goes to continue she demonstrates by attempting to stand. "See Madame, I can not even stand now. I will be fine by morning I just over did it today and need rest. Good evening see you tommorrow Madame."

"Good evening, I will be here first thing in the morning." Madame Giry turns and leaves the office only to be greeted with an angry Eric. "What is is you want of me Eric?"

"You are just going to leave and leave that woman in my opera house; in that office."

"You saw for yourself, she can not walk home. You know you could show her a little kindness and help her tonight. It might pay off." Madame turns to leave and says over her shoulder, "You may want to watch her closely and listen well for she has lived as hard a life as you and suffered much at the hands of gypsies, good night."

For the next hour he just stood there thinking before deciding to check on his new manager...

TBC