Summary: My take on the 2004 movie… with an added character. Not an Erik/OC, Erik/OW if that's what you are worried about, or thinking. Erik and Christine's relationship remains the same as it did in the movie, with nothing to complicate it… and I may let them be together in the end… It depends how big a response I get from you, the readers. Madame Giry will feature in this more strongly than the other characters.

Disclaimer: I own nothing; everything belongs to Sir ALW, and Gaston Leroux. The only character I own in this is that of Phillipe Caruso.

A/N: Forgive me, this chapter is infinitely short. I'd also like to thank my beloved reviewers:

Antoinette's Ghost: I hope the chapters I'm uploading very soon make you happier still! )

Minerva's Phantom: Am I updating enough for you? )

I also ask that you please keep reviewing and providing me with feedback so I can ensure you continue to enjoy this fanfiction. Thanks! Now, on with the story…

"Dance As If Noone Is Watching…"

Christine Daae was a charming young woman, blessed with so much. She was beautiful, funny, and had a magnificent voice, that with Erik's help had soared, and developed into the voice of an Angel.

Many people could not understand how a wonderful young woman with the world at her feet could seem so infinitely sad. Of course, those who knew her understood her sadness originated from the loss of her beloved father at such a young age. Antoinette Giry knew this.

Charles Daae had been a friend of the Ballet Mistress for some years before his death, and thus he had entrusted his only child to her, and the rest was history. Christine knew that she could always talk to Antoinette, and that she would always listen to whatever she needed to say.

Her debut in 'Hannibal' took place in merely hours.

Christine needed her Madame Giry.

A knock came at Christine's dressing room door, and she knew it would be the Ballet Mistress. She always seemed to know when she needed something, or someone.

"Come in."

The older woman entered, and smiled at Christine, who in turn smiled back, feeling more relaxed already.

"How are you feeling, Christine?"

Christine smiled at her shakily.

"Nervous… I'm so frightened, Madame."

Antoinette closed the door and sat opposite Christine, taking her hands in hers.

"I know you are… I understand how frightening it is to perform a debut. But I know you will be fine, Christine. I know you'll make me proud."

Christine smiled at her once again, finding she was no longer nervous. She threw her arms around a surprised Antoinette. She smiled, and put her arms around the young woman, and stroked her hair. Christine may not have been her biological daughter, but she had meant what she said to Firmin and Andre the previous day; she was like a daughter to her.

Christine pulled back after a few minutes, and smiled sheepishly. "I only wish that I knew my Angel was proud of me."

Antoinette patted her hand. "Oh he is, my dear. He is."

Christine looked at her eagerly.

"He is?"

Antoinette nodded her head, and squeezed her hands gently. Christine was so young; so inexperienced. She knew hardly anything of Erik, her Angel, and she trusted him without a moments pause.

Oh, she was so young.

She let go of her hands, and stood.

"Now, my dear, you must rest your voice. You'll need it for tonight."

Christine nodded, feeling much better from Antoinette's visit.

"Thank you, Madame."

Antoinette smiled gently. "Anytime, dear. Anytime."