Disclaimer: I (regretfully) own nothing Phantom. Leroux, Webber, and Kay all own it…lucky stiffs.

AN: I forgot to mention that I'm not going to put lyrics in my story since I don't want it to be deleted because of my using them. However, if it's necessary, I will put in a lyric or two, but no more than that. Also, I'm sorry to say that Christine does not go to Erik's lair in this story. I know it might mess up things a bit, but I'm trying to be original and not copy the film too much. Enjoy!

Chapter 11: Before the Gala and After:

Once it had been decided that Christine would replace Carlotta (albeit temporarily), Marie ushered her sister to the diva's dressing room so that she could make the required adjustments on the costumes. Marie made soothing conversation while she worked quickly, regardless of Christine's fidgeting and nervous outbursts.

"Really, Christine, you're worse than the ballet rats during their first performance!" Marie huffed, her tone playful despite her words. "You have a wonderful voice, and you obviously know the music by heart." She carefully placed one last pin to even out the hem of the white gown for the end of the performance. "Honestly, you have nothing to worry about!"

"I know, but I want to make you proud of me," Christine said, her voice turning small and vulnerable.

Marie looked up. Her sister's face was pale even for her, and tears filled her gray eyes. Her hands trembled with nervousness, and her breathing was rapid. Smiling, Marie stood up and wrapped her arms around the girl who had been the center of her life from the moment she was born.

"You will make me proud," she whispered into her baby sister's ear. "Never did I think you could ever come so far. And yet, here you are, a star!" Marie pulled back and gave Christine a kiss on the forehead. "Now, no tears, and no more worries," she declared, managing to get a smile from the new opera star. "Are you ready? It starts in a matter of hours, and I still need to get your costumes fitted!"

Christine nodded and quickly slid out of the tremendous (though beautiful) glowing white gown and into a robe before going to rest in the large adjoining bedroom. Shaking her head, Marie gathered up her tools and left the room; an errand boy would bring the costumes to the fitting rooms and she would finish them there. Meanwhile, she had a few touch ups to do on the dancers' outfits.

An hour later, after the ballet costumes were finished, Marie took a deep breath and prepared to do something she had not thought possible: fit a soprano's costumes to someone who would actually do them justice and appreciate them. Once she had her sense of focus, Marie picked up a threaded needle and practically attacked the costumes with a sense of determination, extremely glad that Carlotta would not be the person she would be fitting.

'Honestly, the woman would never know good costume work if I struck her in the face with it,' Marie thought, exasperated. 'And I have been sorely tempted to do just that!'

Finally, after all those years of fitting ungrateful, demanding divas, she would fit someone who could truly be grateful for all of the hard work it took to get the look of the actors just right. All too often Christine had heard her older sister complain about the hassles of pleasing the lead soprano, the manager, and the costume mistresses. Many nights had required Marie to return to her rooms exhausted from cutting, pinning, stitching, and adjusting the materials as needed; and so, unsurprisingly, Christine knew how to appreciate all of the hard work needed to make her look good and convincing to the audience.

Marie had just fitted the last stitch on the white gown for Act Three when she felt a familiar presence in the room with her. It was a dark, looming feeling that only one man pulsated with.

"Hello, Erik," she quietly greeted him, just loud enough for her voice to be heard.

"Hello, petite," he replied, his voice soft and rich as he greeted her.

Normally the sound of his voice caused her to shiver with joy and excitement at the idea that he had come to see her, possibly to take her down so she could visit with him. She would usually turn to greet him with a smile, or even a hug, if he allowed it. Now she realized that any time she spent with him would be pure misery for her, as his voice and his being here only caused a sharp pain to stab in her heart.

Marie felt him tense up when she did not turn to greet him as she usually did. He seemed to shift slightly, as though uncomfortable, and she bit back a smile. Erik occasionally became uncomfortable around her, since he still did not know how to interact with people very well. It was amusing to think that the feared Opera Ghost, a man who had no qualms about boldly showing himself and his opinions to the Opera Populaire's managers, always tried to restrain himself around a single young woman, fearing that he might overstep a social boundary and upset their friendship. Tonight was no exception.

"Are you not happy to see me?" he asked, his voice somewhat unhappy as he spoke.

She wanted so badly to turn around and offer him comfort in his uneasiness, but knew it was a bad idea. Christine was the center of his life, now, not her. Marie was doing her best to be sure that she carefully eased out of their friendship and, therefore, ease the longing she had for him and for his love in her heart. It was better to do it now than later.

"I'm sorry, Erik," she said, moving behind the costume so that she was facing him, but still able to focus on the gown instead of looking at the man she so adored. "It's just that I must adjust all of the costumes for the gala tonight, since Carlotta ran out of the theater screaming like a banshee." Now came the hard part. "I'm afraid that I won't be able to visit you for a while."

"Then I will see you later in the week," Erik declared, slipping into the role of the Ghost as he made his demand known.

He was only making this harder, and she would have to do better to make him understand…even though it might hurt them both. Marie bit back her tears.

"Actually, I don't think I will be able to come visit you for a few months," she said, trying to keep her voice calm.

"Why?" demanded the Ghost, the persona of Erik who was unused to being denied. "Why so long?"

"Because I have too much to do," was her simple explanation. "First, the costume mistresses and I must work on the costumes and be sure that they fit until the opera is over. Second, we have new managers that we all must work hard to please, and to understand their ways of running the Opera House. It has been a very long time since we've had new management, and the ways of M. Firmin and M. Andre might be different from how M. LeFevre ran the Populaire." She risked a quick glance up at him before returning her eyes to the gown. "Do you understand?"

It was silent for a moment, and her heart seemed to fill the room with its beating as she waited for his answer. Most people would have feared angering the Phantom/Opera Ghost, but Marie knew better; as long as she gave him logical (or at least decent) reasons for refusing to do what he commanded, everything was all right. However, she felt that she was probably the only person in the world he would actually accept a refusal to do what he wanted, and still let her keep living.

Risking another glance up, she saw the thoughtful look he got whenever he was contemplating something. She admired his face as his dark left eyebrow twitched in displeasure, his intense green eyes seeming to almost be drilling a hole through the wood floor as the thought. A frown tugged on his lips, lips that she had been longing to kiss for years, but would now never get the chance to do so.

'Christine will get that chance,' Marie thought with a slight touch of bitterness.

Finally Erik nodded. "Your points are well-seen," he said, his tone still formal and in the form of the Ghost, indicating that he was still not happy about the whole thing. "However, expect me to come for you after the new managers have settled in."

She could hear him spit his contempt for the newest additions to the Populaire, and bit back a small, sad smile. Without another word, the Phantom turned and left the room through one of his secret doors, quickly vanishing from her sight. Once she was sure he was gone, Marie sighed.

Oh, how she hated lying to him, the man that she'd loved for two years but never told her feelings to. But it was done, and done for the best. Marie was determined to distance herself now so that she would not be hurt later, when Erik revealed his glorious self to Christine. She was sure it was going to be soon; now that Christine was going to become a public figure and a star, he would want to get to her before she was too far out of his reach. It was only a matter of time.

Sighing once more, Marie turned her attention back towards the dress.


An hour before she was due onstage, Christine had spent a large amount of time getting every bit of encouragement and comfort from her sister that she could. Marie had merely laughed at her sister's babble and told her that she would be fine, that her voice was splendid, and that she had an older sister who was very proud of her accomplishments. Finally, as she was firmly laced into her costume and the final dab of makeup was rubbed into place, Christine was ready.

Now Marie watched her sister impress the upper class of Paris. Looking out from backstage, she saw that Christine's talent, as well as the glowing, innocent beauty that she carried with her like an angel's halo, had charmed the entire audience. Men were awestruck, and even the women were extremely impressed. If Carlotta were to return, she would be in for a very great surprise if she expected to get her position of Prima Donna back; it was obvious that the woman lacked the ability to charm the audience and win them over with her voice and appearance.

Glancing up from her spot at the side of the stage, Marie directed her gaze straight up into Box 5, where the patron, Raoul de Chagny, sat. She knew that Erik would not be pleased with the situation, but then, he was probably too busy plotting to woo Christine after the performance was over. She quickly pushed that thought aside and focused her mind and energy on what she needed to help her sister with afterwards. Honestly, Hannibal could not end fast enough!

'Well, that's rude of you,' she thought to herself, ashamed. This was her sister's first big public debut as an opera star, and she was frantic for it to end? Instead, she merely sighed and listened to the blending of song and instruments.

Finally, the final bows were taken, and all of the actors rushed to their rooms to throw off their costumes, break out the alcohol, and become insensible until noon tomorrow. Marie rolled her eyes and tried to locate Christine, who had vanished immediately after the opera. Oddly enough, it did not bother her; the ballerinas would all be eager to have some male company tonight, so there would be no aggressive stagehands advancing on Christine. Shrugging, Marie headed towards the diva's room and waited. Moments later, a rather confused and skeptical-looking Meg Giry delivered Christine to her room, and Marie sighed with relief. The oldest girl smiled and shooed Meg out the door with a playful pat on the head as a form of thanks. Once the two were alone, Marie focused on the long task of getting her sister out of the tremendously wide gown.

"Christine, where were you?" Marie semi-scolded as she unlaced the dress.

"I went to go visit Papa's picture and to light a candle for him," a soft voice replied.

Marie smiled. "Well, I'm sure that he saw you tonight and is very proud of you," she said, patting her sister on the shoulders as she began tugging the dress off of her. "Now, lift your arms so that we can get this cloud of silk off of you." Christine giggled and obeyed.

Finally, once the garment had carefully been tucked away and the jeweled clips in Christine's hair had been stored in their proper box, Marie sighed and reached for a nightgown for her sister to wear. A knock on the door interrupted her. Confused, Marie motioned for Christine to go into the next room as she got rid of the person, who was likely an admirer. Opening the door, she was shocked to see the Vicompt, an armful of white roses in his arms.

Marie smirked. "Oh, Raoul!" she exclaimed, plastering a false giggle into her voice, one that she had used many times when they had played together at the coast. "You shouldn't have!" She snickered as he rolled his eyes.

"I would recognize that teasing tone of yours anywhere, Marie Daae," he said, giving a mocking sigh. "In the mean time, I would like to ask your sister to dinner this evening, if I may, Mademoiselle Daae," he said in a formal tone, though his blue eyes sparkled with good humor.

She pressed a finger to her chin, as though she were considering the matter. Finally, she dropped her hand and looked at him. "Well, as long as you bring her straight back afterwards, with no little unexpected stops, you have my permission," she said, smiling as Raoul heaved a true sigh of relief. "I'll help her change into something suitable and send her out in a few moments."

He eagerly nodded and handed her the flowers before he turned and left. Marie shut the door with a giggle as she headed towards the bedroom where Christine was sitting at a small vanity, a confused look on her face.

"Who was it?" she asked, blue-gray eyes full of curiosity as she looked up at her older sister.

Deciding to be playful, Marie shrugged. "Just a man named the Vicompt de Chagny," she said, setting the roses on a nearby table. "Though you may remember him better if he called you Little Lotte."

Christine let out a gasp. "Raoul!" she said in disbelief. "What did he want?"

"Why, to ask you to supper, of course!" Marie said, grinning broadly at her sister, reaching for a pale blue gown and holding it out. "Now change quickly, he is expecting you!" Christine opened her mouth to protest, but Marie silenced her with a sharp look. "Don't be foolish and refuse," she said, her expression serious. "He is a handsome, wealthy young man trying to court you, and you should not turn him down so easily, especially when I know the two of you have cared for one another since the moment he first ran out to rescue your scarf."

Christine smiled and blushed, but nodded as she reached for the dress and put it on. Once she was dressed, she sat before her vanity mirror and let her sister arrange her hair, closing her eyes as the brush ran through the dark brown curls. Marie smiled as she neatly arranged the mass of brown locks in front of her into a lovely halo that framed her sister's face.

"I am happy for you in this, Christine," she softly said over her sister's head as her fingers busily worked. "This way, you will not be an old maid like me, who will most likely grow old and have ten cats as her only companions," she said jokingly.

Christine opened her mouth to disagree, but Marie cut her off. "No, don't argue with your older, wiser sister," she jokingly scolded, waving a brush over her sister's head. Christine giggled. One last tug of the brush, and it was all in place. "There, your hair is finished, your dress is lovely, and you look wonderful. Quickly, let's put on your cloak."

Practically leaping from her seat in front of the mirror, Christine reached her hands out for the garment, but her limbs were pushed aside by Marie, who quickly began to tie the black cloak around her sister's shoulders. Securing it with a silver broach that Madame Giry had given Christine for her last birthday, the younger girl looked quite the charming picture, and Marie was sure that Raoul would not know what hit him when he saw Christine.

"Lovely," Marie said with a proud smile. "Now, get going! Young men hate to be kept waiting for too long, and it has been nearly twenty minutes already!"

A sudden knock on the door startled both sisters. Marie opened it and was surprised to find the Vicompt waiting. He gave her a smile and a kiss on the back of the hand before stepping inside to look at Christine. The two smiled shyly at one another as Raoul gave Christine a kiss on the hand as well. Marie rolled her eyes at the romantic sight.

"Alright, you two, on with you!" she cried, grabbing them by the shoulders and shoving them out the door. "Remember, Vicompt, I expect her home early! She has rehearsal in the morning, and a performance tomorrow evening, and she needs her rest!"

Raoul merely nodded his reply as Christine gave her sister a quick kiss on the cheek and rushed out after her new suitor. Once they were both out the door, Marie turned back towards the room and sighed; she had much to do before bed tonight, and not enough time to do it.


From behind the mirror, the Phantom watched as the entire scene had unfolded. Skillful hands twisted brown curls into place and a cloak fitted onto slim shoulders in preparation to meet with the young, handsome, and rich Vicompt de Chagny. The two girls giggled and talked as one made the other ready for the evening.

Already Erik hated the younger man. He obviously knew the girls prior to their coming to the Opera House, likely from a meeting as very young children. And how dared this Raoul kiss his Angel's hand! This de Chagny will have to be dealt with, and soon. The Opera Ghost would tolerate no rival, not in his home! He watched as Marie tidied up the diva's dressing room.

'And then there's Marie…' Yes, there was also Marie to deal with…

Erik gritted his teeth and with a swish of his cloak, headed down towards his lair.


AN: Uh, oh, the Phantom is pissed off! Clear the theater! Anyway, please review! Thanks!