Author's note: In this story, Madame Giry meets the Phantom like she does in the book BUT she will not be as old as she was in the Leroux novel. Giry will also be younger than the Phantom in this version.

Chapter 1: A voice in the box

By: PittsBurghFuzz

From Madame Giry's diary

My name is Madeline Giry. Now, I am old and gray and soon to die peacefully. I honestly can't complain about my life. I had a wonderful husband for ten years until he died, and then I gave birth to a loving daughter who married some count. Anyway, I am not going to recall every single detail of my life to bore the reader of this diary, but give important details about an important event. An event, far too important to leave out of this diary.

1875

Ah yes, the year the Garnier opened. I was a young girl then, with a young daughter to raise. They hired me to be the concierge for the boxes. My daughter then became a ballerina for the Opera. The building Garnier had assembled was marvelous to say the least. That night, we performed "Faust" in front of the many people who attended. Every seat was packed except one. No one had used Box Five...

After the evening came to a close, I inspected the boxes. It was really neat to walk through the Garnier at night, and I felt as if a ghost was following me. The ballerinas(including my daughter) were formulating rumors that the Opera Ghost was doing this. I couldn't help but laugh at the rumors.

I entered Box Five slowly, as if I was anticipating a mugger. I sat down and closed my eyes.

"Giry." a voice called out.

I jumped a little because I was startled by the voice's beauty.

"Who's there?" I asked.

"The Opera Ghost, of course."

"What do you want?" I gulped.

"Calm down girl, there is nothing to fear right now. I just have a request."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well, I need someone to run my errands for me."

"Can't a ghost do all of that anyway?" I questioned.

"Well, anyway, I need a sort of go-between for myself and the outside world. You seem to be the perfect woman for the job, considering you handle the boxes."

"What's in it for me?" I asked. "In addition, what do you want me to do?"

"Well, I will give you money first off, and I can have your daughter become an empress. Do you doubt that?"

With the power of his voice, I couldn't doubt it.

"No, I do not, um, what should I call you?"

"My real name is Erik. But please, during business hours, you most refer to me as the Opera Ghost."

"That name sounds so dull. Why not something like, The Phantom of the Opera?"

There was silence for a moment, then he replied. "I like it. Hopefully it will catch on. It has some sexual appeal."

I blushed after he made that comment. Erik then chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

He laughed again. "Nothing Giry, nothing. Anyway, meet me in Box Five tomorrow night. I must give you the access needed for my accounts and explain other instructions."

"Will I see you?" I asked him.

"Unfortunately, I will need to personally hand you the account numbers and the necessary legal documents. Goodnight then, Giry."

"Erik."

"Yes?"

I hesitated to speak for a moment. "Well, can you call me Madeline off hours?"

"Yes."

The way he said yes was almost human ans reassuring, unlike the rest of the conversation where he was omnipotent and monotone. After he "left", I felt depressed and yearned for more of his company.