In the days before the anniversary celebration the phantom hears that Christine has returned and that Raoul will accompany her. Down in his lair he tries to calm his mind by composing. As his mind calms he gradually relaxes. After considering everything he decides to grant himself a glimpse of Christine.
The day of the celebration arrives. Christine is in her dressing room with Meg helping her put the final touches on her costume. "You look like a queen Christine. Now for the finishing touch the crown." Meg leans over to one of the chairs and picks up the diamond crown. Gently Meg places it on Christine's head. Taking a few hairpins she pins the crown into her hair. "Ouch."
"Sorry Christine I didn't mean to hurt you. I just don't want this crown to fall off while your dancing with Raoul." "Even it did fall of while I am dancing with him I'm sure he would understand. Even if it fell off and landed on his foot."
"Your funny."
Below in the cellars of the opera house he sits at his organ composing trying to forget that Christine is back at the opera and going to this anniversary party. That's going on above the cellars. Trying desperately to ignore what's going on above but it's useless. Memories and thoughts of Christine flood back into this mind. Without success he tries to block out the memories of her but he can't. Unable to concentrate he decides that if he sees Christine again he might regain his concentration. Grabbing his cloak and hat he drapes his cloak over his shoulders and puts his hat on. Making his way back up to the Opera house he sneaks back up until he comes upon the celebration. Scanning the room from his hiding place he looks for Christine. Only he doesn't see her yet. Meg enters the ballroom. Just to be a little funny she enters and announces "May I introduce her royal majesty Queen Christine." Christine enters the top of the stairs and Raoul meets her half way and guides her down the rest of the stairs.
Seeing them from his hiding place above them Erik watches Christine. Watching them kiss brakes his heart. In disappointment and anger he flees to the roof of the opera house. Sitting in a shadowy corner of the roof he stairs up into black midnight sky filled with stars. A cool breeze rustles his cloak around him. It's a warm night but he doesn't notice it.
"It's a beautiful night isn't it?" A female voice behind him says. Startled by the voice he jumps up and whorls around to face her.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?"
"One question at a time Phantom. I am someone who has been curious about you. I have through the papers and gossip around Paris about the Phantom of the opera. I was curious and I wanted to meet the man behind the mask."
"I'm an ugly monster a freak as some have put it nothing but an ugly gargoyle. Sorry to have disappointed you."
"Disappointed never you are not ugly. You want to see Christine again don't you?"
Standing up again angered and annoyed he demands.
"Who are you and why have you come here?"
"I am a witch but more like a farie godmother. My name is Claire. I have come here because I know of the love you have for Christine."
"How can you possibly know that or help me? Besides there's nothing anyone can do." "Some can help you and believe me I can help you despite your disbelief." Reaching into her cloak she pulls out a vile.
"What's that?"
"What I'm offering a chance for you to see your Christine."
"The moment I show my face in the grand hall I'll be caught." "Listen to me for tonight and tonight alone you will be handsome as you have always dreamed of." "You mean I'll look like a normal man."
"Yes. So do you accept my gift."
"Yes."
"Just remember the magic only lasts tonight. You only have tonight other than that enjoy tonight. Have fun and enjoy the party and above all Erik have fun."
Reaching for the vile he takes it from her. He looks away from her for a moment. Looking up at her he says "Thank you."
Only his thank you is said to an empty dark night. Softly on the wind he hears Claire's voice say "Your welcome."
In astonishment he glances around it was just a dream or imagination. "It's not a dream or imagination. Look at your hands." Looking he sees the vile in his hand. Then he realizes he wasn't dreaming that all this was real. Looking at the vile again he sees it's a beautiful vile a crystal vile and a trubleclif music note is the cork in the vile. Looking back up the stars once again he wishes that this gift that Claire has given him will work. Taking the vile he takes the cork out and draws the vile to his lips and drinks it. Finishing it off he tosses the empty vile off to the side of the roof. He hears it break on the hard surface of the roof. Suddenly he feels dizzy and light headed and weak. He suddenly feels as if the whole roof of the opera house were spinning. Fainting he awakens a few minutes later to discover he is draped in the finest clothes finely polished black shoes and a long flowing black cape flies in the wind behind him. He looks like a prince.
Getting up he regains his composure and suddenly he is standing on the grand staircase. Standing there facing a room full of surprised and frightened guests. One of the managers Fimin shouts, "It's the Phantom of the opera." One of the bolder gentlemen approaches him on the stairs. "Well see if this is the Phantom." Boldly he takes the mask of the gentleman's face. "You idiot." Fimin shouts, "I am sorry about this sir. But a few years ago this opera was haunted by an opera ghost or as some called him the phantom of the opera. He caused all sort s of things to happen accidents and nearly scared half my cast off one time the day before opening night of an opera."
"It's ok I didn't mean to frighten anyone my apologies."
"No I should be apologizing some of my staff members are still a bit paranoid. Please won't you come and join us it's a celebration."
"Thank you Fimin." Walking down the rest of the stairs Erik looks around at all the decorations and guests. Christine walks over to him. "I'm Christine. Who are you?" "I'm a bit of a jack of all trades myself. I have worked in opera before teaching and instructing people."
"Aren't you going to introduce me?" Raoul comes up behind her.
"I'm sorry a what's your name sir?"
"I'm Owen Goldtin."
"Raoul this is Owen Goldtin. Owen this is my fiancée Raoul." "Pleasure." Owen answers back.
"I'm dreadfully sorry Christine but I have to attend to a business matter this evening my apologies."
"I understand Raoul it's ok." "Sorry I won't be able to dance with you tonight." "See you later?"
"Maybe. Perhaps this kind gentleman would dance with you in my place."
"I would be honored to dance with her. Mademoiselle?"
"Sure yes I mean thank you sir." Raoul leaves the opera house to his business meeting.
Christine and Owen dance all night long together. "You're a great dancer sir."
"Please call me Owen."
"Yes Owen. You seam familiar have we met some where before?" "No I don't think we've met before.
Your not a bad dancer yourself Christine."
"I don't know what it is about you Owen but I feel so comfortable with you. It's like I've known you for years like an old friend."
"That's very kind of you to say Christine. I have that effect on people. It makes people feel more at ease." Dancing with him she relaxes in his arms and rests her head on his shoulder.