Author's Notes: Sorry for the long awaited update. I've been busy and I've haven't had time to write. Plus, I had a real hard time with this chapter. I almost thought of revising this story and add Catherin out, but since you wonderful reviewers like her, she's staying in. Oh, how you will hate her. But I'm getting ahead of myself. So, on with the phic!

Chapter Four: The Auditions:

The day of the auditions had finally arrived. Madame Giry had helped prepared the girls. The girls were indeed some of the best she had ever seen. Catherin Beaucater seemed to have the most potential. She worked with her closley the last few hours the girls had to practice. Giry did not bother with Meg. Not only because she did not approve of this all together, but she had another teacher.

The Phantom.

The Madame couldn't help but shudder. He was here. She felt the hairs on her neck stand. Giry glanced over to box five. It was empty. However, she knew that the Phantom lurked within the shadows. She turned to Meg.

Meg too had let her gaze follow to the empty box seat. She couldn't see him, but she could feel his presence. Meg prayed to the angels that he wouldn't be caught. If he was, then darkness would fall upon them both.

The younger Giry turned away when she noticed her mother looking her way. She turned her back to her. Meg was not too pleased at her mother for the moment. The Madame seemed to be busy with Ms. Beaucater then her. Meg did not understand Madame Giry at all. How could see be proud of some one who wasn't her own flesh and blood? Meg would show her. She would show them all that she could do this.

Meg's thoughts were inturrupted when the judges called Catherin to center stage. As the new girl walked by, she paused for a brief moment, then replied: "Your relation to the Madame, will not help you here. I shall be the leading lady." Catherin smirked. "Perhaps, they'll find another spot for you. A stage hand maybe?"

Catherin left Meg with those cruel words as she made her way towards the stage. Meg sighed. It was clear the girl was new. In past productions, being Madame Giry's daughter never helped her. She had to audition like everyone. The results of past auditions were always the same. Meg Giry was casted as a background dancer. She turned back to the empty box seat and smiled. This time, the outcome would be different.

"Catherin, you may begin."

One of the judges demand, caught the Phantom's ear. Catherin... Erik looked down at her. This was the girl that Meg had mentioned. As Ms. Beaucater sang, the Phantom could not help but flench. There was no passion behind the voice. A dark thought entered his mind: he could get rid of her, like he had done before... No... Erik stepped back deeper within the shadows of the box. He would not harm her. The Phantom would not harm anyone ever again. He remained still and silent. All Erik could do was wait for the dreadfull singing to stop.

Catherin's awful singing had stopped. She took her bow and went back to where the others were. She saw Meg and she couldn't help but smirk. "I would like you to try and follow that."

"Meg Giry, if you please."

It was finally Meg's turn. She took a breath. Then, she sang. All movement seemed to stop as her beautiful voice spread through out the House. No one had heard such beauty before. All but one.

Madame Giry heard the familiar haunting sounds of the Phantom's new song. There was no doubt in her mind that the lyrics were about her daughter. For a split second, the Madame saw Christine in Meg's place. He was doing it again. It would be only a matter of time before she brought his reign of terror to an end, but not right now. There was still a lot of planning to be done about this dark task.

"BRAVO!"

The sounds of cheers and appalause broke Madame Giry's thoughts. She turned her attention back to her daughter as the judges stood up and announced: "We have found our Beauty!"

Meg couldn't believe it. She thanked the judges. Then her gaze returned to box five. She smiled up at her angel that dwelled in the shadows.

Erik saw his beloved, below, smiling up at him. She could not see him, but he smiled back at her. She knew she would win the heart of the judges. The Phantom then noticed that Meg was not the only one glancing his way. He saw Giry look his way every so often. Erik wasn't sure if she knew he was back or not, either way he could not stay much longer. The Phantom took one last look at Meg, then disappeared in the secret passage ways of the House.

He was gone. The younger Giry no longer felt Erik's presence. She guessed that he went back to his underground home.

The girls parted from Meg and soon went back to their rooms. Rehearsals would start the following day. As the girls went to their rooms, Meg went elsewhere. She did not care to speak with her mother. Erik was the only she wanted to see. As she dashed to meet her love, she had no idea that she was being watched.

Catherin noticed that Meg did not return to her room. Instead, she disappeared down the hall. It was getting late. Meg was not suppose to be out at this time. A wicked grin came across her face. The younger Giry had stolen her part. She would make her pay for that. Dearly. So, she followed her. Little did she know, Ms. Beaucater was in for a lot more then she bargained for.

TBC...

Author's Notes: I really don't like how this chapter came out. I'm not too happy about the ending. I just couldn't think of anything else. Now, you can see why the update took so long. Hopefully, the next one will be much much better.

Reviewer Shout-outs: Red Satin and Black Silk- I'm glad you like it!

Faust- I guess I am having him move a little fast but I'm trying to keep up the pace. Plus, remember he longs to be loved? Not only that but she learned that he wasn't really a monster. I'm hoping that kind of equaled it out or something... LOL!

LadyJaye: Sadly, I really didn't know who Butler was before I saw POTO. Now, he's on the top of my fav. actor list. He really did a great job playing the Phantom. I don't think they could have gotten anyone better. And you're right on another thing: he's not bad on the eyes either. Can you say hottie?

Kit- It was on the site not too long ago. I wish they would just let that one pass. I agree with you though, it should be okay as long as we give the artist credit. As for Catherin, trouble is her middle name. Just wait and see.

Melleth: A new beta would be great! You can email him/her if you want. I use to have one but my old beta and arent' on speaking terms anymore. Once again though, I apologize for the grammer. Spelling and grammar are the purest of all evils!

I Love Gerry: Meg and Erik might be "torn apart" or they might not be. I really don't want to say because I don't want to spoil anything that might come up. All I can say, something wick is on it's way. evil phantom laughter

DeathIsOnlyTheBeginin: As stated, I've been really busy and really haven't had time to do anything. I'll take some time to read your fic tomorrow though. I have some free time on my hands then. And thank you for asking me to take a look at your fic. It's very rare when someone asks me that. So, you've put a smile on my face. :)

To anyone I might have missed: I've had a lot of reviews lateley and it's hard to keep up with everyone. If I didn't get to you, I'm sorry. I still thank you all the same for taking some time to read my phics! (LOL!)