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 Philippe Caruso.

"Dance As If Noone Is Watching…"

"Monsieur Caruso! Monsieur!"

Philippe sighed in annoyance as he was accosted by Andre and Firmin. Could he never have a minute's peace around here?

"What is it, messieurs?"

"Look at this, Monsieur!"

Firmin thrust a note in front of Philippe's face. He regarded it with a raised eyebrow.

"Fascinating. What is it?"

Andre scoffed. "It is a letter!"

Philippe raised an eyebrow.

"From the Opera Ghost!"

Ah.

"May I open it?"

Andre and Firmin bobbed their heads. Yes, he could.

Philippe broke the waxy seal and pulled out the letter, quickly scanning it. He swiftly handed it back to the Managers.

"You actually believe this?"

"A chorus girl is missing. We seem to have no choice."

Philippe granted them that point, but a real Opera Ghost? He thought not. Besides, Christine had apparently returned unharmed.

"Messieurs?"

Philippe smiled as Madame Giry appeared at the foot of the stairs accompanied by her pretty young daughter.

"Madame Giry, I'm afraid we are rather busy at the moment. Please speak with us later."

"Has ze little twit returned yet!"

Antoinette sighed as Carlotta swept into the hallway followed by her extensive entourage. It seemed it would be a while before she could get a word in edgewise.

"She has not, Signora."

Giry frowned, and opened her mouth to tell the Managers otherwise.

"Actually, she has returned."

Antoinette sent a thankful smile Philippe's way. Carlotta glared at the accountant.

"And you know zis 'ow?"

"She was in Madame Giry's presence. Ten minutes ago."

Heads turned towards the Ballet Mistress, each wearing a similar expression of distrust.

"If you had let me speak, I would have told you!"

She was, of course, ignored.

"Do we all have notes from this O.G. fellow?"

Philippe leisurely walked down the stairs, smiling at an exasperated Giry. She smiled at him wearily.

"Do you think if I ran around naked, they'd pay me some attention?"

Meg raised an eyebrow.

Philippe chuckled. "I still think they'd ignore you. But I on the other hand…"

Antoinette blushed lightly, and turned her attention back to the managers with an aggravated sigh.

"SHUT UP!"

Philippe grinned at the startled expressions upon the aristocrats faces.

"Now, Christine Daae has returned, and no, you cannot see her yet," she emphasised, noting the presence of the young patron, "and here…" She handed them Erik's note. They soon went back to ignoring her.

"Meg, get back to Christine. Keep an eye on her."

Meg nodded and swiftly left.

"I'm impressed, Madame," said Philippe, raising an eyebrow at her.

Antoinette merely smiled. "It's my job, Philippe."

His grin became slightly more nervous.

"Would you… perhaps like to take a break from your job, and join me for dinner before tonight's gala?"

Her smile disappeared as she remembered Erik's words.

Do not get involved with Monsieur Caruso.

Could she risk Erik's anger for this man?

Philippe smiled sadly.

"It's alright if you don't want to, Antoinette."

Could she jeopardise her possible future for Erik?

"I'd love to, Philippe."