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 on 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.

"Dance As If Noone Is Watching…"

Meg eventually found her mother on the stage, laughing with a man she had yet to meet. She saved her curiosity for later and led Christine to her. Madame Giry looked up at she heard the tap of Christine's shoes and looked at the pair curiously. "Meg?"

"I think Christine needs to adjourn to her dressing room, Mama. I expect the excitement has been a little too much for her."

Antoinette looked at Christine, and saw that it was much more than that. She suspected it had much more to do with a certain Angel of Music. She put her arm around Christine's shoulders and turned to Phillipe apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Monsieur-"

Phillipe smiled. "I understand, Antoinette. Duty calls."

"I really have enjoyed meeting you, Philippe."

Meg's eyes widened and darted between the pair. Was that chemistry? Was her mother actually attracted to a man?

"And you too. I hope to see you again soon."

Was the attraction mutual?

Philippe left after bidding the trio goodbye, and Antoinette ushered Meg and Christine towards the theatre exit. Meg practically bounced along, excited at what she had seen between her mother and 'Philippe' as she called him, whereas Christine shuffled along, a faraway expression on her face. Antoinette tightened her arm around her adopted daughter's shoulders, keeping her close, and away from walls that she could walk into in her daze. Meg could no longer hide her curiosity.

"Who was that man, Mama?" She questioned.

Antoinette had expected this question. Her daughter was somewhat of a gossip, and liked to know everything. "Philippe Caruso, the new accountant."

Meg grinned. "He seemed nice."

Antoinette walked straight into her daughter's trap, as a smile graced her face. "He is."

Bingo, Meg thought, smiling to herself. Her mother had kept her heart to herself since the death of her father so long ago, and permitted noone to break through her walls, except Meg and Christine. It was about time she felt something for a man again.

"Meg, it's time for you to go to your dormitory."

Meg opened her mouth to protest, but then closed it. Arguing would do no good. "Yes, Mama." She said, hugging Antoinette and Christine before skipping down the corridor, intent on sharing her discovery with her fellow dancers. Meanwhile, her Mother and Christine continued on the way towards Christine's dressing room.

Antoinette glanced at Christine, and smiled reassuringly. "Almost there now, my dear." She patted her hand.

Christine frowned. "Do you here that, Madame?"

"Hear what child?"

"Voices…"

Antoinette's eyes widened in worry. Was Christine losing her sanity? No, wait… She could hear them too. They were getting increasingly loud in volume.

"I hear them too… maybe it's just people celebrating your triumph, Christine dear."

She was happy to see a faint smile accompanied by a blush on Christine's face. However, this faded, and was quickly replaced by panic when they rounded the corner, and came face to face with a large group of the young soprano's new fans, all requesting autographs.

Antoinette's eyes flashed dangerously as they swarmed around the young woman, separating the pair. "Let me through!"

Christine panicked as Madame Giry vanished. "Madame!"

Christine's devotees did not give up their relentless pursuit of their desired autographs, and the young Soprano found herself close to hysteria. A hand reached out and closed around hers and tugged her through the crowds. She thankfully grasped the hand tightly, thinking it was Madame Giry who had rescued her. She saw this was not the case, as her saviour pulled her around a corner.

"Are you alright, Mademoiselle?"

Christine visibly gulped, and craned her head behind her searching for Antoinette. She attempted to pull her hand from his grasp desperately, only for the man to clutch it tighter.

"Please, Mademoiselle Daae, trust me. I'm a friend."

"Please… I was separated from someone. She's still somewhere in there!" She pointed around the corner, towards the swarming mass of aristocrats. The man nodded.

"Go inside your dressing room. I'll bring them to you."

Christine relaxed, and nodded. She somehow trusted this man inexplicably. "It's Madame Giry, the ballet mistress. She wears-"

He cut her off, concern washing over his face. "All black. I know. Dressing room, Miss Daae." He disappeared around the corner as fast as he could. Christine was confused. Who was this man? Why had he saved her? And why was he so concerned about a Ballet Mistress?