(And I think for the first time, Mrs. Moony will have a chapter.)

That night, it was impossible to sleep. Mrs. Lovett was alive, and I was defending her. And what was more, we were working together to take down a ghost.

Slowly, I stood and walked from my room, deciding to simply explore the opera house. Slowly, I made my way to Christine's dressing room and let myself in, instinctively moving to the mirror though, in truth, I had no idea why. As I ran my hand over the mirror, I felt something strange, almost like it wanted to open.

Moments later, I had managed to open a secret passage and walk through, not caring that I couldn't see where I was going. Someone was playing an organ; I would simply have to follow that. But just as suddenly as the music had started, it stopped and I froze, not daring to move for fear of falling. I heard someone coming closer and waited, a man's arms around me as he stopped and helped me into the boat he had apparently used to get here, though I noticed he seemed reluctant.

"You know you don't have to take me anywhere," I questioned, if for nothing else than to start conversation between us and maybe learn something about him.

He pulled me close as we neared the other side of the lake and I saw the candlelit path before us. "No. But you're a friend of Christine Daae's, yes?"

I nodded slowly, becoming uneasy in his presence. "Yes, but-"

He helped me from the boat and we started to walk toward the organ I had heard earlier. "And you were intrigued with my music, to the point you followed it until it stopped. I imagine you didn't want it to end."

I smiled despite myself, seemingly unable to hide anything from him. "Yes. It was the most beautiful thing I've heard in awhile. I don't hear much music you see... I never really realized I needed it until Raoul had me brought here."

He nodded, helping me sit by him as he lay his hands back on the keys. "I've wanted to talk to you all day Mrs. Moony, ever since I saw Christine helping you get ready to perform my music, something you did quite well I might add."

I blinked, staring at the masked man before me. "Y-Your music? You composed Don Juan Triumphant? But I thought..."

He laughed, pulling me back down as I tried to stand, holding me close to him. "You surely were not expecting a ghost like the ones they speak of in stories... unable to be felt but only seen?" I looked up at him, struggling with the idea as he continued. "Or could it be, Madame, that you simply did not believe in the Opera Ghost?"

"I... I must admit. I had my doubts. But..." I looked at him again, my eyes wide with both wonder and fear. "Y-You're the Phantom Of the Opera?"

He nodded. "Yes. And you should know, my dear, that I love Christine more than words can express. She will not be happy if she marries that man, though she deserves him. I want you to help me win her heart as no one else can. She wanted you here; surely you would not deny her the life she truly wants?"

I shook my head, slowly relaxing as he spoke. "If it is what she truly wants, I see no reason to deny her. I-I'll do it, whatever it takes."