A/N: Here it is! The real chapter! I know the last chapter didn't even count as a chapter, but since we can't just have an author's note, and no chapter, I had to put something. Thanks for all your encouraging reviews to keep going! I have some good news and some bad news. I am going to continue writing from where I am and not rewrite, however, I mapped out the rest of the story and there will only be three chapters and an Epilogue left! I can't believe my story's almost finished! –Tears up. I pull out a Kleenex and start sobbing uncontrollably, hiding my face in my hands- Go on. Read the next chapter! And don't forget to review! –Comes muffled from my hands…-

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Christine hurried through the labyrinth of passages that led from her dressing room, to the house by the lake. Rumors of Nichole's attack by the "Opera Ghost" had spread through the Opera House like the fire that had destroyed it three years ago. Mousier Reyer had tried to get everyone to concentrate on the music, but after finding it impossible, dismissed everyone early.

How could Erik have found out about Nichole, and why did he make his presence know! What if he had gotten caught? What if the managers decide to search the Opera House again and find Erik? Right now Nichole was in a conference with managers.

She was so lost in her thoughts that, she didn't even remember stepping into the boat, or poling her way across. Before she knew it, she was standing in front of the door. Slowly she opened it, dreading the conversation that would surely follow.

Erik was sitting at the organ composing, but looked up as she entered "Hello Christine," he said putting down his pen.

"Erik we need to talk," Christine replied.

Erik looked at her, raising an eyebrow almost mockingly.

"How did you find out about Nichole?" Christine asked.

"I have a better question," Erik replied, "Why didn't you tell me about her?"

"Because I knew you would do something like this!" she replied angrily.

"And just what did I do?" He asked calmly.

"You threatened her!" Christine yelled, unable to stop herself.

"Please keep your voice down," Erik stated calmly. "Madeline is asleep in the other room."

Christine fought to keep her voice down. "Do you know at this very moment she's in a meeting with the managers? What if they search the Opera House! What if they find you!

"Those incompetent fools didn't find me last time, and they won't find me this time," Erik answered airily.

"How can you say that!" Christine said, her voice rising once more. "Last time you where almost caught! If they catch you this time, they'll kill you!" Madeline's cries filled the air. "I'm going to go see to Madeline," she said angry with herself for waking her. "We will continue this when I return." She turned and walked into Madeline's room.

Erik sighed and shook his head. He should have known Nichole wouldn't keep quiet. Not really wanting to be there when Christine finished putting Madeline back to sleep, he grabbed his cloak, and exited the house. He might as well find out what the managers were planning. When he reached the other side of the lake, however he was surprised to see Madame Giry standing there. "Madame Giry, to what do I owe this pleasure?" He asked politely, as he stepped out of the boat.

Her eyes flashed dangerously, and he knew he was in for another lecture. "You know perfectly well what! Now take me to the house. I have things to discuss with you!"

He sighed, but helped her into the boat.

When they entered the house, Christine was waiting for them. "Where were you?" She asked angrily.

"I went to see what the managers were planning, but ran into Madame Giry on the way. She has something to discuss with us," Erik said hanging up his cloak.

"You could have told me where you were going," Christine shoot back.

"Christine please," Madame Giry intervened impatiently. "I have more important matters to discuss with you, than if Erik should have left without telling you."

Christine stared at her, but fell silent.

"Now, we are a very bad situation. Thanks to Erik threatening Nichole, the managers now know of his presence in the Opera House. They never found a body last time, so they are certain it is you," Madame Giry said, looking at Erik. "Last time you barely escaped them, and they are determined you will not do so this time." She paused. "In an hour the police will be here tearing the Opera House apart. They will be searching everywhere."

Christine paled, and grabbed Erik's arm for support. All thoughts of their argument fled from her mind.

"I have ordered you a carriage to take you to your house. I have paid him well enough and he will keep his silence. It will be here in a half hour," Madame Giry continued.

Erik turned to Christine. "I want you and Madeline to stay with Madame Giry. If you disappear again, they will connect it to me."

"No," Christine answered. "I'm coming with you." She had a determined look in her eyes.

"Christine…" Erik started, but Christine interrupted him.

"No. I won't leave you," she repeated.

Knowing it was no use arguing, he nodded his consent. Secretly he was glad she was coming. "Go get Madeline ready, and pack whatever you need. We're leaving in fifteen minutes."

As soon as Christine was out of sight, Madame Giry spoke. "Are you sure it is wise letting Christine come? The police will link her leaving to you."

Erik sighed. "I know. I just can't leave her." He looked past Madame Giry, lost in his thoughts.

Madame Giry studied him for a moment.

Subconsciously, Erik placed his hand on his pocket, feeling the little box resting there.

Madame Giry seemed satisfied and spoke, breaking Erik out of his thoughts. "Do it soon," was all she said, for Christine reappeared, carrying Madeline and a bulging suitcase with difficulty. Erik immediately went to her, taking the suitcase from her. She gave him a grateful smile.

"Come, we have to hurry. The police will be here soon," Madame Giry spoke in an anxious tone that Christine had never heard before.

Erik and Madame Giry hurried out of the house, while Christine lingered, wanting to stay at the house that held so many memories for her. She knew she would probably never see this house again, Erik would not be safe here for a while, and she planned to go where he went. Taking on last look around, she closed the door behind her.

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Madame Giry accompanied them out the Rue Scribe entrance and saw them off in the carriage, promising to try and stall the police as much as she could…

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