Authors Note: Ok, chapter 2! Yay! Cue Erik 3
None of the characters belong to me, etc. etc. etc.
Opera Populaire - 9 years before film…
**Erik's POV**
I felt a hand on my shoulder and jumped, Antoinette. "Please, Madame, do not sneak up on me like that." She chuckled, "Now now, Erik, what has you so distracted? Your not usually so easy to startle?" I just shook my head, waiting for her to continue. "Gustave's child, Christine Daaé, she is in the chapel, if you wish to speak to her." I stared at her. "Gustave is dead? When did he…" I had been fond of the old man. He was caring - sort of. I could always tell that he adored his daughter. Antoinette sighed, "He passed away this evening. Christine arrived just before nine. She had one dance lesson - she has raw talent. She's sharing a room with Meg." She explained. I nodded. "Did Gustave, well, how did he explain it to her?" I asked tentatively, not sure what I would hear. "He told her he would send her the Angel of Music, I'm assuming he meant you. He told her that the Angel would teach her to sing." I looked at her and sighed, "Alright. I shall observe the girl. I may talk to her, her singing ability must be tested." On that I turned and disappeared into the shadows. I took to one of the many hidden passages of the opera house - I knew them all by heart. Soon, I was behind the one-way wall in the chapel, looking out on a little girl of seven, staring intently into a candle, a few tears rolling slowly down her cheeks. I watched her for a short while, then decided to get it over with. "Child, why do you weep?" I threw my voice so she could not tell where I was - you can never be too careful. She looked up from her mourning, stunned, and her eyes darted around the room. "wh…who's there?" she sounded terrified. "You are the young Daaé girl?" I asked, already knowing her answer. "Yes?" her reply sounded like a question. I smiled to myself. "My dear girl, I am your Angel of Music. Your father has sent me to you." I felt kind of bad, lying to her like that, but then, it wasn't totally a lie - Gustave had, in a sense, sent me. Her face instantly lit up, "Really? You're my angel?" "Yes little one. I am here to guard and guide you. I will be your teacher and protector." I didn't know why I was practically pledging myself to her. Me! A protector? Ha, the moment she sees my face she'll be horrified… not that she will ever see it. She'd know I am a monster. An angel in hell. I decided to test her singing. "My dear, you shall have to sing for me. I must know your ability, if you can manage it now?" I wasn't sure, so soon after her fathers death, but after a short pause, she smiled again. "Of course Angel. What shall I sing?" It was my turn to pause now, she wouldn't know any of my songs…" Anything, your choice." Her smile grew, she opened her mouth, and started to sing. I didn't know the song, it was probably a new one that I hadn't had the chance to hear yet. One of the many disadvantages of living beneath the opera house. She had a good voice, but with a bit of practice, I knew she could be wonderful. Its true she had much still to learn, but with me as her teacher… She finished singing and looked around expectantly.
**Christine's POV**
Where was this voice coming from? I looked around for it after I finished my song. He didn't comment for a few moments, and I began to worry, but then… "Very nice. Your voice is good, though should you wish to excel you have much still to learn. I shall teach you if you wish it." I smiled. My Angel would teach me to sing? How wonderful! "Oh, yes! M. Angel would you please?" I could hear the excitement in my voice. He chuckled, "Of course, after dance rehearsals come down here from now on, I shall be waiting. Now, it is late. Mme. Giry shall be here shortly to bring you to bed. Goodnight, little one." "Goodnight, M. Angel" I replied with a tired smile. As his voice faded away, I heard footsteps. I turned to see Mme. Giry at the doorway of the chapel. She smiled at me, "Have you finished, my dear?" I nodded. Properly happy for the first time since Papa died.
**Mme. Giry's POV**
She seemed happy, of course he had taken her on. I always knew he would. I had heard her sing before. She had a sweet voice, untrained, but sweet. She stood and followed me up the stairs. She didn't mention Him as we walked. But I never expected her to. She didn't know that I knew him, better than anyone else ever had. She probably wouldn't tell anyone - they wouldn't believe her anyway. An angel teaching her to sing? Even to me that sounded ridiculous! When we reached her room, I turned to face her, "Do not speak of Him to anyone" I whispered. She gazed up at me in surprise, and nodded, before opening the door and disappearing into her room. No doubt about to be bombarded by questions from my daughter. That child was too inquisitive for her own good! Sure enough, before I had taken more than two steps away from the door, "Christine! Where on Earth have you been?" I sighed and walked off.