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 is that of Phillipe Caruso.

"Dance As If Noone Is Watching…"

"Interfering little witch!"

Christine's eyes widened in fear as Erik stalked around his lair in a state of anger and agitation. She pulled her knees up to her chest and shivered as she felt the darkness seemingly seep into her body, leaving her cold and desperately frightened. Erik noticed this and softened.

"I'm sorry, Christine… I don't mean to…"

He sat down across from her on the floor, his mask, which she had earlier removed, now on securely. Christine swallowed heavily and forced a smile onto her pretty face.

"It's alright… Angel… I understand."

Erik's temper suddenly flared up again.

"No you don't understand, Miss Daae. Only she does, and she's currently busy trying to get me to give you up!"

Christine blinked back tears and processed this information.

"She?"

Erik ran a hand through his hair, and nodded.

"Yes, she… A friend… or so I thought. She'll be down here in a minute; you are to stay out of the conversation. Do you understand?"

Christine nodded quickly. She'd witnessed too much of this 'Angel's' temper to want to provoke it again. Her head turned towards the foot of a winding staircase as she heard light foot steps approaching swiftly. She drew in a tiny gasp of surprise as Madame Giry appeared. Christine glanced at Erik, who was fuming.

"About time, Madame. Do you mind-"

"No. I don't mind. Now shut up, and listen to me."

Christine let out another gasp at the Ballet Mistress' daring. Surely noone could say such a thing to the Phantom of the Opera and get away with it… could they? She kept her eyes on her Angel's face, and watched in amazement as the anger subsided and an almost ashamed expression appeared on his face. What was Giry to her Angel of Music?

"Are you looking to get yourself killed, Erik? After all these years?"

Erik looked like he was about to say something, but Madame Giry didn't give him a chance.

"They're going to come looking for you, and this time I can't save you, Erik. Don't you understand that? You have to let me take her back."

Erik glared at the older woman.

"I can't do that, Madame."

He emphasised her title and Antoinette flinched. Erik's glare subsided as he saw this, and his face softened.

"Ann, I can't… I need her here."

"Why?"

Erik blinked at the question.

"What do you mean why?"

"I mean exactly what I said Erik. Why do you need her here?"

Erik looked at his feet.

"I need her voice."

Antoinette scoffed. "You can have lessons without keeping her here."

Erik frowned. "I need her to help me… to fetch things for me, and so forth."

"You know I've been doing that for years. Let me take her back. We Carlotta haters need her voice more than you. Meg needs her best friend…"

"And you?"

A whisper. "I need my daughter."

Erik sighed heavily… He did not need to think any longer.

"Take her, before I change my mind."

Antoinette held out her arms to Christine who rushed into them, thankful for her mother figure's presence. Giry guided her towards the exit.

"Ann."

She turned back with a sigh.

"Yes?"

"Take this note... and give it to the Managers."

Antoinette took the note from his gloved hand, and turned her back.

"Antoinette…"

"Yes?"

"Do not get involved with Monsieur Caruso."

Antoinette raised a surprised eyebrow.

"I had no intention to."

She left with Christine, Erik frowning at her back.

"We'll see…"

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"Christine!"

Antoinette and Christine had not been back 2 minutes after Meg had managed to find them, throwing her arms around her friend. Antoinette looked on with an amused but weary smile, as she sunk into a chair. Christine looked on in worry while enveloped in a hug by her little friend, and also a little fear. Madame Giry had dealt with the Phantom of the Opera and won. What else was she capable of?

"Oh, Christine, where were you?"

Christine looked to Antoinette for help.

"The Phantom abducted her."

Christine gasped. "Madame!"

Meg looked at her mother, and then at Christine in shock. "My god!"

"Megan…"

Meg looked down in shame at her involuntary use of God's name in vain. "Sorry Maman… but, the Phantom abducted her? You must tell me all! I have to-"

"You will not discuss any of this with your ballerina friends!"

Madame Giry's voice was firm and resolute. No arguments.

"We'll tell you everything, Meg… if you keep it a secret."

Meg nodded at her Mother and Christine.

Antoinette motioned to a chair.

"You'd better sit down."