OK, I lied. Part two is ehre a day early for the simple reason that within ten minutes of putting the first chapter up, two people reviewed, one of whom had sacrificed reading the new Harry Potter book to read my stuff. So I thought they deserved something a little more substantial than four pages of scribble. Enjoy!

A Place In My Heart

Chapter Two

It was a week later when Madame Giry decided that her leg was well enough to try walking on. Christine was frankly relieved. She hated lying around and was bored out of her mind. She changed into a plain green dress and tied back her dark curls. Meg came in and helped her up, finding her a pair of shoes.

"How do you feel?"

"Wobbly." Christine smiled. Meg laughed and took her arm, helping her along.

The castle was incredible. Christine was astounded at the sight, staring around her. Meg pointed out rooms to her, and she almost instantly forgot which room was which. Madame Giry caught sight of them and said,

"Why don't you take Christine outside, Meg? She could use some sunlight and fresh air."

Meg obliged and guided Christine along a corridor. She opened the door and said,

"These are the gardens." Christine's jaw dropped.

"They're beautiful!"

"Aren't they? I'll show you my favourite one, the Rose Gardens." She took her arm and led her along a narrow path. Around a hedge and through a stone arch into a large garden. Christine gazed around at the hundreds of roses. They were in every colour, red, yellow, pink, white, orange and even black. She took a step forward by herself, staring at the colours.

"They're amazing…"

"I know. Monsieur Dumas walks the gardens occasionally, but I'm out here most. I keep them tidy, but it's really not hard. They seem to take care of themselves most of the time." Meg commented. She sat on a bench as Christine bent to smell a rose. The sweet fragrance was gorgeous.

But as she was admiring the roses, she heard something and her head jerked up. Soft, sweet piano music drifted from the house. Christine stared up at the open window.

"That's beautiful… what is it?"

"Monsieur Dumas. He's a very talented musician. You'll probably hear more of his music. He won't let you hear it, but you can hear it anyway." Meg said simply. Christine closed her eyes, taking in the wonderful sound. She didn't recognise the song but she felt intoxicated nonetheless.

After a few moments Meg grew bored and said,

"Come on. Are you hungry? Let's go to the kitchen, I'll make us something to eat."

A few weeks passed. Christine quickly settled into life at the castle. She learned how to cook and found cleaning easy enough. She found a good friend in Meg and Madame Giry soon grew fond of her. She didn't see Erik Dumas very often, occasionally catching sight of him as he passed through a corridor. Every now and again she would catch a strain of beautiful music and she always stopped what she was doing to listen. But other than that, there was no sign that he lived in the castle.

One morning, as she was eating breakfast with Meg, Madame Giry entered and said,

"Meg, I want you to clean Nadir's guestroom. He will be joining us next week."

"Really? Wonderful! You'll like Nadir, Christine, he's so lovely."

"Meg!" Madame Giry snapped. Meg smiled and left. Madame Giry glanced at Christine.

"Could you please clean the third floor corridor? It needs scrubbing."

"Of course, Madame." Christine said, rising.

The corridor was a long one and would take her most of the morning, but Christine didn't mind. She knelt with her scrubbing brush and started work, her mind wandering to how much life had changed during her time at the castle.

Music played quietly down the corridor to her and she paused to listen, before carrying on with her work. She knew this song. It was called Think Of Me. Under her breath, Christine began to sing along to the music.

Erik played the piano absently. He wasn't paying attention to what he was doing but he carried on anyway. Until he heard something, his keen hearing picking up a sound. Someone was… singing.

He stopped playing and went to the door. He opened it quietly but saw no one. Entranced by the sound, he walked silently along a corridor until he opened a door and saw the girl, Christine kneeling as she scrubbed the floor. It was her singing, in that pure sweet voice.

Think of all the things we've shared and seen

Don't think about the way things might have been

She didn't notice him. Erik clutched the doorframe, wonder filling him. The more he heard of her voice, the more he longed to keep listening.

Christine dipped the brush in the warm, soapy water as she sang lightly. She didn't realise that she was now singing quite loudly. She carried on, scrubbing at a particularly stubborn spot on the floor.

Think of me

Think of me waking

Silent and resigned

Imagine me

Trying too hard to put you

From my mind

The spot came off and she turned to wet her brush again.

Recall those days

Look back on all those times

Think of the things we'll never do

There will never be a day when

I won't think of you

This was where the music should swell into a beautiful crescendo. But there was no music playing, she realised. She sighed and picked up the bucket to move down the hall. But as she stood with the bucket, Erik Dumas appeared from the shadows, startling her. She jumped, gasped and dropped the bucket. The water splashed everywhere and Christine cried aloud.

"I'm so sorry!"

She bent and tore off her apron quickly, soaking up the water with it. Erik Dumas merely stared down at her.

"I am so sorry, Monsieur Dumas. I was startled and…" Her voice faded away as he stared at her.

"Stand up." He told her. She did so uncertainly. He looked her up and down and then said,

"Who taught you to sing?"

"Taught…. No one. No one taught me. My father was a violinist though. I learned music from him, but no one taught me to sing." She replied carefully. He continued to stare at her, a peculiar look on his face. Christine felt rather uncomfortable and looked back warily.

He was about to speak when Meg called out,

"Christine? Where are you?" Erik turned away abruptly, slamming the door behind him. Meg appeared at the end of the corridor, fast enough to see his back. She walked down the corridor to Christine and asked curiously,

"What was that about?"

"I… I don't know." Christine said, still holding the sopping wet apron in her arms. She tossed it into the bucket and said,

"I'm finished here."

He couldn't take his eyes off of her. It had been a week since he had heard her sing, and Erik always found his thoughts wandering to her. Her beautiful face, her pretty smile, her dark hair… her voice. She walked the gardens with Little Giry, arm in arm with the pretty blonde. Erik looked out of the window at the happy girls.

There was a knock at the door.

"Enter." He said gruffly. Madame Giry came in and said,

"Dinner is ready."

"I'm not hungry." He growled, not turning to face her. This was a lie. He was hungry, but not for food. He hungered for her. Marie hesitated and then said,

"Monsieur, you missed lunch."

"I wasn't hungry." He said.

She moved over to the window and looked down. Erik turned away abruptly. Madame Giry glanced at him sharply.

"Monsieur, do not tell me that you were just looking at Christine."

"There are no laws to forbid a man from looking." Erik commented. Madame Giry sighed deeply.

"Monsieur, she has lost her fiancé. She is so young and, above all things, innocent."

"Do not fear for Miss Daae's safety, Madame Giry. She is safe. I have no intention of doing anything other than look." Erik said calmly, still not facing her. Madame Giry eyed the back of his head.

"I hope not, Monsieur."

And she left the room. Erik hesitated and then went back to the window. His eyes settled on Christine. She was standing by a rose bush, her fingers running over the velvety petals. She turned to talk with Meg and they both laughed.

Erik retreated to the shadows.

Nadir arrived two days later. Christine was in the entrance hall when the door swung open and a dark skinned man in strange clothes entered. He caught sight of her and froze. She also stood still, staring at him.

"I don't believe we've met." He said, offering his hand. Christine shook it. He spoke in a strange accent, one that she couldn't place.

"I'm… my name is Christine. Oh, you must be Nadir!"

"That I am." He said with an amused smile. "You are new to the castle?"

"I have been here a few weeks. Monsieur Dumas was kind enough to take me in."

"Really?" Nadir said, clearly amused.

A noise caught Christine's attention and a small dog bounded in. She smiled and bent down. The dog scurried over to her, sniffed her hand and then pushed his head against her hands. She laughed and stroked him.

"How lovely! What is he called?"

"He is called Chima." Nadir said.

"He's gorgeous." Christine laughed as the dog rubbed his face against her legs through the fabric of her dress. Nadir smiled and whistled. The dog ran to his side and sat patiently.

"How did a girl like you end up here?" he asked curiously. Christine shrugged.

"I was running from danger in the woods and injured myself. Monsieur Dumas found me and brought me here."

"Really? He must have changed since my last visit." Nadir said, entertained by the thought. Christine shrugged again.

"I couldn't say. I have not seen enough of him to pass comment." She said quietly.

There was the sound of a slamming door and Erik appeared on the stairs. He caught sight of Nadir and stopped.

"When did you get here?"

"About two minutes ago. We were just getting to know one another." Nadir said, gesturing at an uncomfortable Christine. She avoided Erik's gaze and mumbled, "Excuse me," before disappearing through a doorway. Chima followed her.

Nadir looked up at Erik and smirked.

"Charming girl. Getting soft, aren't you? Not so long ago you would have sent her on her way."

"It's that Giry woman's influence. You would know." Nadir didn't seem abashed and simply smiled.

"I would indeed, Erik."

Christine went to the kitchen, where Madame Giry and Meg were preparing dinner. They glanced over and caught sight of Chima who barked happily.

"Chima! Nadir is here?" Meg said.

"Yes, he's in the entrance hall with Monsieur Dumas." Christine replied. Meg cried out and darted for the door. Madame Giry smiled and followed. Christine hesitated and then went up after them.

Nadir and Erik were talking quietly when Meg burst through the door. She threw herself at the Persian who laughed and swung her around.

"Meg! How are you?"

"I'm fine, Nadir! Oh, it's so good to see you!" Meg said happily, hugging him. Madame Giry emerged and Nadir smiled at her, his eyes lighting up.

"Marie."

"Nadir. You had a good journey?" She asked warmly.

"I am better for its ending." He smiled. Madame Giry returned the smile. Chima burst past and jumped at Erik, who absently patted the dog's head. Christine appeared in the doorway to the kitchen and Nadir smiled.

"Ah, my new acquaintance. Come, all of you. I have, of course, brought gifts. I fear for my safety if I didn't. Meg can be quite a little viper."

"Nadir!" Meg said, not in the slightest bit abashed. Nadir simply laughed and led them to the drawing room. Christine hesitated but Erik turned in the doorway to the drawing room.

"Don't dawdle. Come along." He said impatiently. Christine hurried in and Erik felt his heart jump as he caught a waft of her fragrance as she passed. Cursing himself under his breath, he followed her in.

Nadir had opened a large box and was searching through it. Christine stood by the window, as Meg and her mother settled on the sofa. Nadir sat in an armchair, leaving Erik to lean on the doorframe.

"Now… for my little Meg, I have this." He said, taking out a small, carved box. She took it in delight and opened it. Light, tinkling music began to play and she smiled.

"Nadir, it's lovely!" she gasped, hugging him again.

Nadir grinned and dug in the box again. Christine glanced over at Erik. He was watching them with a half-bored, half-amused expression. He caught her eye and she gave an awkward smile before turning back to watch.

Nadir handed Madame Giry a small, wrapped package. She opened it calmly and smiled. A necklace, threaded with turquoise gems lay in her lap.

"It's beautiful, Nadir. Thank you." She said quietly. Nadir offered her a little smile and Christine couldn't help but smile slightly. She looked out of the window at the sunlit grounds, wondering if she and Raoul could ever have had that. It didn't seem likely. Their relationship had been so simple and sweet. They were both so young. They probably didn't appreciate what they had, until it had been tore from them.

"Erik, I've got something for you in here." Nadir said, digging in the box. Erik sighed.

"You delight in this, don't you Nadir?"

"Of course. Ah, here it is!" He passed him a flat package. Erik opened it and arched an eyebrow at the painting.

"A view of Persia. How very you, Nadir." He commented dryly.

"I thought you'd appreciate it." Nadir beamed. Erik couldn't help but give a little smile. Christine smiled, biting her lip as Meg giggled. Her mother quickly hushed her. Nadir glanced over at Christine,

"And, for you, Christine-"

"Oh, don't. I hardly know you well enough." Christine objected, flushing. But Nadir waved her objections away with a careless hand.

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm sure I have something in here, somewhere."

He searched around and then gave a triumphant "ha!" before pulling out a book.

"You enjoy reading?"

"Yes, I love it." Christine said. Nadir smiled.

"I thought you might. Here. A book of fairytales. You'll enjoy it, it's very well written." Christine accepted the gift with a smile, looking at the pale cover.

"Thank you…"

"You're welcome. Now, let's hear what you've all been up to since my last visit."

Chima barked impatiently and Nadir cast him a glance.

"I'll take him outside."

"No, let me. You should all catch up." Christine said, hurrying to the door. She clicked her fingers and Chima bounded to her. She stepped past Erik, the dog hurrying after her. Erik, almost unconsciously, wandered to the window as Meg started to chatter with Nadir. Madame Giry noticed, of course. But Erik didn't know that. All his senses were honed on the girl who was walking outside.

Christine sat on a bench, watching Chima scurry about. She smiled at his antics and then looked down at the book in her hands. She opened the cover and started to read the first page. The words wrapped themselves around her and she read on, turning the pages. Absently she flicked through the book. An illustration caught her eye and she paused to look at it.

A beautiful woman stood by a lake, beams of moonlight shining down on her, illuminating specks in the air. The woman's face was serene and peaceful. And, to the left of the picture, a figure stood in darkness. It was male, but the face was covered in shadows. Christine gazed at the picture, entranced by it's delicate beauty. Until Chima barked and she glanced up. She smiled and whistled lightly. He scampered over to her and she stood.

"Come on. Let's go back inside."

Nadir and Erik were alone in the drawing room. Nadir glanced over at his old friend and then went to the window to see what had captured his interest. He saw the girl, Christine, walking back to the house.

"I thought so." He said. Erik glanced at him irritably.

"What?" He snapped.

"Come on Erik. I'm not stupid."

"You've had me fooled for a great many years." He said icily.

"You have feelings for her."

"Nadir, I barely know her. Don't be so ridiculous." Erik said crossly. Nadir raised his eyebrows.

"Erik, I have known you for years. You don't need to hide things from me. More to the point, you can't hide things from me."

Erik couldn't reply. Christine had paused by a rose bush to pick one of the white roses. She smelt it, smiled and then walked back to the house. Erik leant against the wall by the window, staring down at her, his hand twisting a clump of his hair in his anxiety.

"Nadir…"

"Yes?"

"I heard her sing." He said, almost inaudibly.

"Is she good?" Nadir asked. Erik moaned.

"She's perfect. God, I'm a fool. She's little more than a child, she's just lost her fiancé and… well look at her! She's beautiful, Nadir!"

"You love her."

It wasn't a question but a statement of facts. Erik gazed down at the girl and then closed his eyes.

"I swore that I wouldn't do this again."

"Erik, you don't choose to fall in love." Nadir pointed out, "It just happens."

"And what do you suggest I do? Seek her out, declare my love, and hope she'll be able to feel the same way? And then, when she sees under the mask, she'll be so disgusted she'll run as… as she did?"

"History doesn't always repeat itself, you know. And from what I can gather, you've barely said two words to her since she arrived."

"Because I can't find anything to say to her." Erik said quietly. He groaned and turned to Nadir.

"What do you suggest I do?"

"It's your choice, I'm afraid. But, if you do think that this is love, I suggest that you try and find out more about her. And that doesn't mean sneaking around the castle, following her. You talk to her. Get to know her. Find out what she likes, what she doesn't like."

Erik stared at him as though he has just made the entire speech in Dutch. Which wouldn't make a difference since Erik happened to be fluent in Dutch. But you get my meaning. Nadir sighed,

"For god's sake man! Does she go to the gardens often?"

"Everyday."

"Then next time she's out there, go and talk to her! Ask her how she finds the castle, start a conversation! I know this will be hard for you, being a complete recluse, but give it a shot." Nadir said, exasperatedly. Erik eyed him.

"Remind me why I let you come here."

"Because I'm the only person besides Marie who will talk to you straight. And, by the way, you've put on weight."

Erik was rather tempted to throw something heavy at his head.