1Disclaimer: I do not own Phantom of the Opera (wish I did though) nor do I own Gaston Leroux.

Chapter One

The Chandelier

The night was silent in Paris. The greatest sound heard for miles came from the Opera house. The mysterious new soprano sang like a angel. The applause shook the very foundation. Gaston stood and clapped, cigar in mouth. He was impressed with the young Prima Donna as was everyone in the Opera House. The auditorium smelled of expensive perfumes, smoke and wine. The stage glowed. The audience sat down and slowly everyone stopped applauding. The diva opened her mouth wide to sing once more when sharp snapping sound came from above.

Everyone looked up. Gaston gasped as he saw the chandelier shift. People began racing out. He immediately noticed a man not moving as if frozen to his chair. As more and more people left the man was in clear view from Gaston's box seat. The chandelier shifted with more force once more. Gaston shouted at the man to move but he did not. Finally he knew he had to get out of there. He raced down the halls crowded with screaming people so eager to get out that they trampled anyone whom fell behind. The stage quickly disseminate. Gaston heard the ear shaking sound that made his heart stop. The shattering of glass filled his ears. He ran out of the theatre into the cobblestone streets of Paris.

He leaned against one of the pillars and caught his breath. How could a Chandelier fall. In his mind he began recalling the rumours of the Phantom. Was this Phantom connected perhaps? He pushed himself away from the pillar and began walking. A distressed man pushed past him. Gaston looked up at the man. The man was not a Parisian, but darker, different, almost Persian looking. He was followed by evidently a servant.

"It's was the Phantom I tell you! Just like the papers say! A Phantom in the Opera!" Said a man walking and chatting with others around him.

"Indeed?" Said Gaston to himself. "I shall have to find out a little more of the Phantom."