After the Gala

(scene 2)

The curtain closes upstage. Ballet girls, from the wings gush around Christine who hands each a flower from her bouquet. Reyer stiffly gives his approval.

Luna said approvingly to Christine. "Yes, you did very well. He will be pleased."

She turns to the dancers. "And you! You were a disgrace tonight! Such ronds de jambe! Such temps de cuisse! Here we rehearse. Now!"

She emphasizes this with her cane. The ballet girls settle into rehearsal upstage, Giry keeping time with her stick. Variations of this continue throughout the scene.

Christine moves slowly, downstage, away from the dancers as her dressing room becomes visible. Unseen by her, Meg also moves away and follows her. As Christine is about to open the dressing room door, she hears the Phantom's voice out of nowhere.

Draco's voice sang purely, "Bravi, bravi, bravissimi…"

Christine is bewildered by the voice. Meg, following, has not heard it. Christine turns in surprise, and is relieved to see her.

Ginny, sang, "Where in the world have you been hiding? Really, you were perfect! I only wish I knew your secret! Who is your new tutor?"

Hermione sang distracted, and entering her dressing room. "Father once spoke of an angel. I used to dream he'd appear. Now as I sing I can sense him, and I know he's here! She continues to sing in a trance-like way. "Here in this room, he calls me softly. Somewhere inside hiding. Somehow I know he's always with me. He- the unseen genius."

Ginny sang back uneasily. "Christine, you must have been dreaming. Stories like this can't come true. Christine, you're talking in riddles, and it's not like you!"

Hermione sang on ecstatic, and not hearing her. "Angel of Music! Guide and guardian! Grant to me your glory!"

Ginny sang to herself, "Who is this angel? This…"

Both girls sang in an enchanting duet, "Angel of Music! Hide no longer! Secret and strange angel…"

Hermione sang darkly, "He's with me even now…"

Ginny sang bewildered, "Your hands are cold…"

Hermione sang on, "All around me…"

Ginny sang looking worried, "Your face, Christine, it's white…"

Hermione sang, "It frightens me…"

Ginny sang back soothingly, "Don't be frightened…"

They look at each other. The moment is broken by the arrival of Mme. Giry.

Luna said coldly, "Meg Giry. Are you a dancer? Then come and practice."

Meg leaves and joins the dancers.

Luna continued once Ginny was gone. "My dear, I was asked to give this to you."

Se hands Christine a note, and exits. Christine opens it and reads.

Hermione read the note puzzled. "A red scarf…the attic…Little Lotte…"