Chapter 33: Fear the Phantom:

When his meeting, with the managers, had finished and Erik had made clear all of the things he was waiting to hear circulated as rumor, he headed back into the shadows of the theatre. He had one more matter of business to attend to before returning to Meg's side. He worried greatly about her but knew that she was well hidden and until he could return to take care of her, Tangae would not leave her side.

He moved quickly and gracefully through the theatre until he found himself outside of the dressing room that had, only hours before, been occupied by Christine Daae. For the first time in his life he didn't know how to proceed in speaking to the young woman who was taking over in Christine's place. He was certain that the young singer would be able to pull off the roll, as he had never seen anyone so attentive in his life when it came to learning how to sing and loving the lyrics. He couldn't decide if he should dare frighten the poor girl and use magic on his first visit or if he should just knock and see if she answered. Finally he decided on the direct approach. He knocked once, on the solid wooden door and before a response came, he grabbed the handle and walked in.

The young girl stopped hallway across the room and gasped as the masked man, the Phantom of the Opera, walked into the dressing room and closed the door, locking it behind him. With every step he took she fell back further into the darkness of the small room, until her back was against the mirror at the back of the room.

She stared fearfully into the eyes of the Opera Ghost, tears rising in her eyes as he moved closer and closer, never in all her life had she been so frightened.

"Mademoiselle," Erik said as he bowed to the quivering girl, "I am only here to congratulate you."

His words didn't do anything to comfort her. She was rooted in fear as tears rolled down her pail face.

"I am not here to hurt you, my dear," he said softly.

Erik's heart ached to see the fear that he could still instill in people. The young woman looked so afraid and helpless before him her eyes wide with fear and her back pressed against the mirror willing it to move. He had grown used to the softness in Meg's eyes when she looked at him. She never showed him any fear anymore but here in the eyes of a young girl, who know only of his past, was helplessness and fear to the point of tears, merely by his presence. Perhaps it would have been better to prepare her for this visit with a message from the managers, but it was too late for that now.

"Please do not be afraid of an old man," he said as he sat down in a chair that sat against one wall. He became very quiet and just watched as she got used to his presence in the room.

"What have I done to bring you here, Monsieur?" Genevieve whispered still with her back against the mirror.

"You've done nothing but a wonderful job in my drama. I am pleased to say I have not seen enthusiasm and knowledge in a singer as young as you before. I am very much looking forward to having you in the leading soprano roll. That is the reason I have come to you this evening. You need not be afraid of me. I only come to offer my assistance should you feel you need it," he said, watching the young woman's every move.

"And you believe I can do this? I am just a chorus girl," Genevieve said as she slowly moved away from the mirror and cautiously sat down in a chair facing the Phantom.

"Christine Daae was nothing but a chorus girl before she was the envy of all the singers in the Opera Populaire," Erik answered matter of factly.

"Yes, that is true," she whispered, "but she had always been here, I have only just come."

"Yes, but I know you are familiar with the roll, dare I say you have it already memorized. I've seen you sing along with Christine from the chorus. It is quite convenient actually, for me anyways, instead of trying to recast the roll this late in the production with a singer that is not familiar with the show in any way," he said and almost smiled.

"I will do my best, sir, though I have never really had any real training in a soloist way," she said and blushed.

"That is not a problem, we can arrange a few lessons if it would make you more comfortable, before throwing to the sharks," Erik said.

"Really?" she asked brightly and smiled for the first time, "it wouldn't be any trouble with the show so soon?"

Erik laughed a little, "trouble, my dear, that is no trouble. Trouble would be trying to teach a brand new girl the whole show in a matter of days. It would mean disaster for the drama if you did not agree to take the roll and as the composer and casting director for this, my greatest achievement to date, I will do all in my power to make sure you are ready for what is in store for you."

"That is so kind of you sir," she said softly and smiled at him.

Erik stood again and bowed to the girl before turning and walking toward the door.

"When shall I expect my lessons?" she called after him.

"We will discuss that tomorrow, tonight I think some rest is in order. It has been a very strenuous day for all of us," he said and disappeared out into the hallway.