I had a habit, I realised, for messing things up. I had even been unpopular growing up amongst the ballet rats for I had a loose tongue that let slip secrets that were strictly forbidden to be aired. They soon learnt that there was no point dispelling their secrets to me, as I had already caused large voids between the friendship groups that circled around the dormitories. Meg was the only one who trusted me, but then again she was like a sister to me. I wouldn't dare tell any one her secrets. She had my trust and I had hers. There was one person's who trust I didn't have and that was a certain Phantom who had been lurking around in his domain for the past week and I hadn't heard a word for him. He had been at rehearsals, that was for sure, as he scared half the ballet rats to death and ripped apart the orchestra with a blazing reprimand that left half the musicians in tears. All because he was sour towards me. I needed to amend that.

That's how I found myself traversing the corridors alone at night with a small lantern as my guide. I knew if Erik saw me, he'd have a fit. I was strictly forbidden from going around the corridors by myself. Traps are everywhere he had said, and that haunting message kept replaying through my mind. A rat brushed past my foot and I let out a horrified squeak, almost dropping the lantern I gripped in my hand and cursed the little vermin running about the tunnels. It took me an eternity to finally locate the main cavern with the glassy lake and I surprised myself that I hadn't died in the treacherous corridors. That's when I noticed that I still had one more problem to overcome, the black gondola that mocked me from the waters edge. I grimaced at the sight and made my way over, gingerly placing my foot in the boat when I realised, if the boat was here then Erik wasn't in... Perhaps instead of risking my life, I could just wait for him here. So that is what I did. I sat on the pebbled shore, playing with the slate grey pebbles that were cold beneath my hands. I didn't even hear the crunch of footsteps in the distance as I was so absorbed in my thoughts hence why I let out a shriek when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. My first thought was that it wasn't Erik, because he never would touch me without my spoken permission, then my second was... who on earth could be traipsing down here to see Erik as well? I quickly turned around to see a concerned looking man with a funny hat and jade coloured eyes peering down at me through the murky darkness, our lamps only illuminating our faces and chests.

"W-who are you?" I stuttered, scrambling to my feet to meet his height. He did not answer straight away, only looked me up and down and smiled kindly.

"My dear, no need to be alarmed. I am known as the Daroga. Perhaps you have seen me around the opera?" I thought hard, scanning his face intently when it suddenly clicked into place and I calmed considerably.

"Oh.. yes. I know who you are. I'm Christine Daae." I held out my hand and he took it in his, giving it a gentle shake.

"Ah yes. I know all about you Mademoiselle. Our mutual friend does not cease talking about you." I raised my brow.

"You know Erik?"

"I do. I have known him for many years." I furrowed my brow in deep concentration.

"That's funny... I don't think I have ever heard him mention your name." The Daroga snorted with laughter.

"I am not surprised. He likes to pretend I don't exist."

"That sounds like Erik." I mumbled, making the Daroga laugh even more.

"Mademoiselle, why are you down here?" I gestured to his home across the lake which looked empty and dark.

"To see him. I need to talk with him. I'm afraid the last time we parted it wasn't on good terms at all." He nodded in understanding.

"Ah yes. Our friend is quick to anger, is he not?" I found myself nodding in agreement and was about to say something else when a cold, unhappy voice echoed around the cavern.

"Why, if it isn't two little conspirators. Tell me Daroga, have you told her all of my secrets?" The Daroga grimaced. I shivered.

Our mutual friend had returned.

A/N- All rights go to Gaston Leroux etc, I don't own any of the characters.