Mysha (peeks out): Sorry about this being so late, but I'm battling Writer's block hopefully I'm over it. Thank you to my fans who stuck by me. I'm hoping to have the next one up before I go to Dallas for New Year'. If not It will be up shortly after. BY the Way, I just saw the Movie. GO AND SEE IT NOW! It is awesome. Andrew Lloyd Webber included more elements from the original silent film and the book Tis very good. Oh and bring a towel The Phantom is to die for better than Raoul. Oh well On with the Show.

Chapter 6- Cryptic Surprises

Erik gaped at the young lady sitting at the organ bench. She sat with her legs crossed at the knees instead of the proper ankles. Erik noticed that her clothes reflected the style of this time. She merely smiled at his shock and gently tilted her head to the side as she regarded him.

Erik stared at her as shock slid through him. She knew who he was. Hell, she was there in his lair. With her enigma smiles and opened hand, she was there. Erik looked her over. She could easily pass as a student but somehow it didn't fit. Her brown eyes seem much older than her face. The girls turned back around and began to play again.

Erik winced as he recognized the opera as his own failed attempt. The girl played it with a bittersweet quality. He noticed that she stumbled through the harder parts but still had a good skill with the organ. Erik felt despair fill him when she reached the part where Christine revealed his face to all of Paris.

Softly and with a deadly edge, he spoke, "Don't play that."

The girl seemed unaffected by his tone as she played, "Why?"

Erik pinned her back with a hard gaze, "I don't like my failures being thrown in my face, what little there is of it."

"Please save your glares, young man. They don't bother me." She commented off handily, "Besides it is very beautiful music that deserves to be heard."

"It is a reminder of a time I would prefer to forget. When I was naïve enough to think a woman could love this face."

The girl nodded and changed the song to a sonata, "You can't shun it forever. Sooner or later, you will need to confront your mistakes in order to step forward. In order to make new music we must first look at the old."

"Very poetic." Erik snorted, "But the past is dead. She has her boyish Vicomte and I'm here."

"And you are bitter about that?" the girl said almost amused.

"No." Erik lied smoothly even though he was a little, "I washed my hands of her when she threw me over for a boy with a title."

"Really?" The girl mused as she turned around, "Why don't I believe you?"

Erik felt like her eyes could pierce through his earlier lie, so he frowned, "I don't care what you believe or disbelieve. Good day, Mademoiselle."

Erik turned to stalk out of the church. He didn't like how perceptive she was. It was as if she could read his mind which was impossible. He thought he was over the events at the Opera House but apparently he wasn't. When he watched Christine leave with the Vicomte, he swore he wouldn't be bitter and accept his fate with grace.

However he couldn't even escape the pain through death. Instead he was here in a different world that he hasn't even started to understand. He was puzzled by how everyone reacted to him. Granted the muffler concealed his face but what will happen when the weather got warmer. Then the questions would start and when they saw his face, they would shy away from him. Much like Christine.

"She did a number on you." The girl stated softly drawing Erik's attention, "You can't judge everyone will react the same way."

Erik felt a rage fill him. How would she know? At least she had a pretty face. No one knew what he had to live with the pain of having a face that even his mother loathed, Being a freak on display and tormented with the thought that it was all he was good for.

Then the Irish carpenter gave him hope of acceptance as did Garnier. Unfortunately they were rare in a world that worships beauty. So he hid away from the prying eyes of the world until his angel arrived to save him. Christine gave him hope of love and happiness. Just as quickly as she gave it, she destroyed it with her infatuation with the foppish Vicomte.

"Let it go, Erik Noir." the girl's voice called to him, bringing him back, "You can't change her choice. She made it now let her deal with it."

"I don't have to like it."

"I never said that." the girl regarded him curiously, "For someone who washed your hand of the whole affair; you sure show a lot of emotion toward it."

Erik glared at her as the girl still regarded him coolly, "I do not. As you said she made her choice now she must live with."

The girl smirked at him, "You still cling to her even if you deny it. What fools these mortals be."

Erik growled in his deadliest tone, "I prefer not to be mocked, mademoiselle."

The girl shrugged, "I'm pointing it out. However it might be a good thing that you have washed your hands of it. After all, you can't lust someone after who is dead."

Erik froze when she said that. He searched her eyes to see if she was lying to him. Her eyes held his and he could see that she wasn't. Of course it would make sense. He was over hundred years in the future, there be would no way for Christine to survive. His angel was really gone, lost to him forever. He glared at the girl in front of him.

If she didn't save him, he could have reunited with Christine in the afterlife. But she wouldn't let him die in peace. She had to save him, give him this damn second chance. He lost his chance to rest in peace with the one he loved.

"You are the one who took my hand. Don't you dare blame me." she spoke very quietly with menace in her voice, "If you don't want to be redeemed the gorge is just across the highway."

"Don't tempt me right now. I'm very close to throwing you into it."

The girl smiled gently at him, "Contrary to what you think I'm here to help you, Erik Noir. You are needed here. But if you want to go back and die, I will return you."

Erik wanted to agree even demand that she return him, but he remembered his promise to the students. He did promise to help them with their class. If they didn't help him earlier he could turn away. But they didn't, they showed him kindness and treated him well for now. Erik shook his head. He still had his honor in this strange world, and that was something he refused to lose now.

"I can't. I promise the children I would help them." Erik sighed, "I can't return without repaying them for what they did for me."

"Even if they betray you later?" she asked.

"Yes, even if they betray me later. I'm in their debt."

"You will go far then. I look forward to watching your progress, Erik Noir. Your redemption will be very interesting indeed."

Erik was about to question her further when he heard Dammit's bark. He glance toward the door to see Father B emerge and slowly make his way pass the altar. Erik looked back at the organ to see the white haired girl was gone. Erik looked around to see where she went.

"Erik?" Father B called out.

Erik sighed as he approached the blind priest, "I'm right here Father B."

"You sound upset, my son. What's wrong?"

"I just have a lot on my mind. Father B, do you believe everyone deserves a chance to make up for their past mistakes?"

Father B paused for a moment before speaking, "Our god is a forgiving God. No matter what you believe or who you are, I think he cares for all of us. He gives all of us chances to redeem ourselves. It's just a matter of if we seize it."

Erik nodded, "I was never a religious man. In fact I'm not sure what to believe anymore since coming here."

Father B smiled as his placed a hand on Erik's shoulder, "The road to strong faith is paved with doubts. Only by questioning things do we truly understand."

"Father you are unlike any priest I have ever known." Erik grinned as he put his hand on top of Father B's slightly bony one.

"I try. Now, Father Kettlebern was just back there and asked me if you wanted to join us for dinner in Meade Hall." Father B chuckled anticipating Erik's question, "That is where the other priests and brothers live."

"I see." Erik remarked cautiously.

"They won't ask questions, except if you drink. And the food is more edible than Clet food."

"For that reason alone, I will accept." Erik chuckled.

Father B chuckled as well, "Come, let's finish our tour of the campus and then we'll go to Meade and relax."

Erik nodded and followed Father B out. Cautiously he kept an eye on the old man. He didn't want his friend to get hurt. Friends were something Erik wasn't use to having. But since coming here he gained two. Maybe, the girl was right in bringing him here. But he still missed his Christine.

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Erik quietly entered the far wing of Clet hall. The bland and narrow corridor was rifted with doors. As he passed them, he read the different names on each door. He connected them with the name of different professors that he heard about last night at dinner. Erik smiled as he remembered how much fun the priests were to banter with.

They didn't pester him with questions. He was sure Father B warned them ahead of time. The only tense moment was when he removed his muffler and they had stared at him for several seconds. Imagine his surprise when they began talking again like it didn't bother them and drew him into several conversations that he really didn't know anything about. Father B saved him a few times but Erik began compiling questions that he had for his student that night.

Erik paused in front of an open dressing. As he looked in, he could see the costumes that were carefully hung on a rack and the canisters of makeup for the stage. Standing in the door way, he could easily see the dreams that these children build. The magic of the theater was a powerful lure. A smile touched his lips. With guidance these eager learners can go on to achieving those dreams. He wanted to help them.

His mind rebelled as he remembered Christine and his lessons with her. They started out fine enough. She wanted to please him and practiced every way she could to please her angel. Then when she discovered he wasn't angel, well, the look in her eyes hurt him worse than anything the mob did to him. Erik shoved his hands in to the pocket on his new jeans. It wouldn't do to think on the past.

Mira insisted on taking him shopping for clothes earlier. She couldn't afford much but she bought what she could. That consisted of two pairs of jeans, three t shirts and a pair of sneakers. Erik had dragged H.G along because he refused to go alone with the lady and Erik wanted to see something. The trip was pretty uneventful. They had gone to a clothing store called Wal-Mart except it wasn't just a clothing store. It was full of amazing things. Erik had insisted on exploring and peppered both Mira and H.G with questions about it. He eventually stopped when Mira gave him an odd look.

Erik turned away. He couldn't admit he was from another time. They would think he was crazy. At times he grew frustrated with this world. The TV didn't answer everything since it assumed that everyone knew what it was talking about. Well, not everyone did and Erik felt very lost for the first time since waking up. Now he had to teach a whole room of students and make them believe he was from this world. He had to create another lie to stay free. Wasn't that why he swore away from teaching?

A high pitch voice broke through Erik's thoughts. It was harsh and condescending as it spoke. Erik never really liked English that much. It wasn't as lyrical as his native French or musical like the Eastern languages. It was very harsh and stilted. However this voice made the language annoying and grating on the ears. Erik almost walked out when he heard Tai's soft voice speak up in defense.

Anger surged through him as he stalked towards the voices. Erik wasn't sure why he was upset with someone harassing these children. He hadn't taught them yet, only meet them formally yesterday. Maybe it was because they showed him kindness the few times their paths did cross or that he already considered them his students. Whatever the reason, the owner of that cold voice was going to learn a thing or two about bothering his students.

When he entered the practice room, Erik was able to hide his upset very well. Only his eyes glowed with the intensity of the emotion inside. He observed the scene in front of him with a cold detachment as he pinned the one person who didn't belong the room with a hard gaze.

Kurt was the first to sense Erik's presence. The young man looked like he was about to yell at the evil looking older woman standing in front of them. The woman was unaware of the newcomer. Kurt met Erik's eyes. Erik nodded to Kurt that he should sit down. Kurt didn't move for a moment and slowly sunk into his desk. Erik could almost hear the disgust in the woman's voice, as she addressed the kids in the room.

Carlotta flicked her long inky black hair over her shoulder as she glared at the kids. She finally caught them planning their little pranks red handed. They could make their silly little excuses about forming a study group. However nothing will save them from her vengeance. She will make sure they are punished for their crimes. She focused on Christian who had ducked low to escape her notice. Her gaze sharpened. He was one of that Father Nevyn's charity cases. That priest was always doing things like that. As far as Carlotta was concerned, the urchin needed to grow up.

"It's about time you learned to respect your betters." Carlotta sniffed and grinned viciously, "Now wait until I tell Brother Augustine that I caught the hoodlums who like sealing up my office."

"Professor Deaglasse. We didn't do anything. We are waiting for our tutor." Angie remarked loudly.

"A tutor? Please! You little brats can't afford a tutor. A cunning little lie there, little girl but it won't work." Carlotta laughed nastily.

Carlotta turned to leave and froze at the sight of Erik who filled up the doorway. His eyes glinted with anger as he stared down the woman in front of him. He distantly heard the kids whisper his last name with relief. He didn't react as he tried to burn the lady with his glare. He definitely didn't like her tone she used on the kids.

Carlotta felt her voice die in her throat as the stranger stepped in. He was very tall and big yet fashionable dressed. His face was hidden by a black muffler and hat which gave him a mysterious aura. For a moment Carlotta decided that maybe that dark look in his eyes was for her looks.

Coyly as she could she asked him, "Who are you?"

Erik's growling voice smashed any glass illusion she had about his emotions, "Their tutor. You are not welcomed here."

Carlotta frowned over the anger in his voice and rudeness, "They are my students, who ever you are. I'm Professor Carlotta Deaglasse."

Erik's gaze narrowed, "So you are their music teacher."

Carlotta grinned very catty, "Yes. I must tell it's a trial teaching these urchins."

"It must be a trial for them learning from someone like you. Now I suggest you leave before I throw you out."

"How rude! You sir are no gentleman!" Carlotta said very indignantly as she brushed pass Erik.

"I never claimed to be one." Erik stated as he slammed the practice room behind her, receiving an outraged cry from the self proclaimed diva.

A hush silence fell over the room as the kids stared at Erik in shock. Erik looked at them dumbly. What was wrong now? As quickly as the silence fell, it was shattered by the kids clapping and cheering him. Erik smirked as he leaned against the door as the group rushed forward. Erik soon found his head aching as they all began to clamor at once.

Feeling the need for space, he shouted loudly, "Hold it!"

All the kids shut up at once. Erik heaved a sigh. That was better. He looked at their excited faces as they gaze at him in hero worship. It made him feel slightly uncomfortable. Feeling the need for some space, he brusquely brushed by them towards the front of the room.

When he turned around, he met their disbelieving stares. Guilt began to swell a little in his heart. As he gazed at each hurt face, he could see how young they really were. He defended them, something no professor probably ever did for them before. Especially when their accuser was another professor. The girl's voice echoed in his head.

Don't deny them yourself.

As he gazed at each one, He realized that he needed to trust them. After all, they trusted him enough to come. Absently he picked up a piece of chalk and studied it as he thought about what he needed to say.

"I'm sorry but I need my space. It's a long story." Erik started, "One I'm not comfortable going into."

"Its okay, Professor." Kurt stated as he considered Erik, "It's just no one has ever defended us against Professor Disgrace before."

Erik fought the smile that wanted to flit across his face at the nickname. It was very apt. Anyone like that woman was a disgrace to music. Slowly the students drifted back to their seats, still chatting among themselves.

Erik cleared his throat deeply grabbing their attention. Each one got out their notebooks and looked ready to learn. Erik leaned against the black board, surveyed the room. Satisfied that they were ready for him to begin, Erik walked towards them.

"So tell me what are you learning right now?" He asked gently.

Christian hesitantly raised his hand to answer, "Um…I brought my notebook, Professor Noir."

Erik's eyes twinkled at Christian to show his approval as he took and skimmed the notebook. The smile soon faded as he read what this teacher had taught them, "This isn't music. This is garbage. Nothing on your test is in this book."

Tai spoke up, "That's what we said, Professor-sama."

Erik put down the notebook with a sigh, "I think it is best to start with the basics of music."

All the students nodded and began to prepare for their first real music class. As Erik lectured and began to write noted on the board, he felt himself begin to relax and enjoy himself. He really did have a knack for teaching. Every face listened eagerly as he walked them through the very basics of music. They were adept pupils, asking challenging question which expanded both their knowledge. Erik was very pleased until he had to explain what a 32nd note was.

Confusion was etched on every single face. Erik tried every way he could to explain it. Frustrated, yet composed his eyes fell on a piano in the corner of the room. Maybe he should show them. Erik brusquely walked to the instrument before he could doubt himself.

Every eye in the room followed him to the piano. He heard them murmur about what he was doing. A few chair moved as they tried to get a better view. Erik ignored them as he sat down. After a few experimental notes, he was satisfied that the piano was tuned properly.

Glancing at his students' expectant faces, he began to run his hands over the keys. Soon beautiful music filled the room. Erika smiled to him self as his fingers danced along through the song. The melody drifted the air and fill up the Student's heart. They gazed at Erik as if Apollo himself was playing on the piano. This was true music, untouched by showmanship.

Erik soon began to sway to the music that he played. Closing his eyes he began to lose himself in the music. He could hear every note before he struck in on the keyboard. He was as lost as his students. The outside faded away as the music began to wrap itself around the room.

The scarf loosened by the swaying, began to slip to the floor. No one noticed it in the beauty of the music. Erik played his music which revealed him self to their eyes in more ways than Erik dreamed. As he finished, he realized that he missed playing. Excited by the new discovery that Christine hadn't ruin music to him he turned to see his student's reaction.

Their shocked and awed eyes gazed back. No one spoke for fear of breaking the spell that Erik had weaved. After a few minutes Erik began to feel uncomfortable as they dully gazed at him. He reached up to adjust the scarf that wasn't there. Panic filled him as he spotted it on the floor between them. Horror filled him as he looked back at them. Why now?