A/N: Thank you to all my awesome reviewers! I hope you enjoy this next chapter and please let me know what you think! Also, a thank you to Filhound for being an unofficial editor :) See you next time!

Chapter Three – Enter the Opera Ghost

It was surreal, all of it. The atmosphere, the setting, the dress, the man…was he even a man?

Melody could see it through a misty haze, as though peering through a foggy mirror. There before her stood a beautiful young woman – no more than twenty, perhaps – dressed in a beautiful rose pink gown, something that could be seen on damsels and heroines of Victorian-styled films. Her hair was a rich red-chestnut hue that came in waves and curls around her soft face, her eyes closed as she leaned back against the tall, dark, imposing figure behind her. His long, thin hands hovered over her body, almost seeming afraid to even touch her. Delicately, he ran his fingers over her arms, slowly bringing them up to her neck, where he gently grasped her hair, enjoying the feel of her silky locks upon his skin.

The man was decked in black, a sense of elegance and horror encasing him like an invisible aura. All that she could really make out was a cape, a wide-brimmed felt hat, a white mask that covered most of his face, and a set of golden eyes that seem to glimmer like a cat's. His hands reach for her once more, placing themselves under the girl's chin and turning her face towards his. Her eyelids fluttered open as she felt his breath, their faces nearing. "Erik," the girl whispered, reaching for his face.

"Angelique," he answered back, making Melody shudder.

Her own eyes shut as she heard him speak, his voice like a forbidden instrument that aroused her senses and stole her heart. She could almost feel him before her, his arms taking her in cautiously as his strange, clammy lips pressed against her own. As she opened her eyes, she was somehow unsurprised to see that he was, indeed, holding her in his arms, gazing down at her with such a heartfelt expression that she wanted to cry. As he caressed his knuckles against her cheek, she felt herself blushing, and thus turned away. As she did, her eyes were soon distracted by a mirror before her. Her brows furrowed as she squinted, her eyes growing large as she realized that the girl was on the other side of the mirror with the masked man, and that she herself was dressed like the young girl, with her own mystery man at her side.

"Erik," she heard the other girl whisper affectionately.

"Erik?" she repeated, confused and amazed all at once.

She heard her own masked man suck in a breath of surprise, causing her to look up at him once more, sensing his hurt and desire. "Mon Ange," he said softly, almost making her want to swoon. "Melody…"

"Melody!"

"G-AH!" she gasped, jerking awake in a most embarrassing manner. "Whu-what?! Who-?"

Riley laughed at his aunt, shaking his head. "Aunt Melody, we're supposed to be ready to go in half an hour, and you're still snoozing away."

"WHAT?!" she all but screamed, snatching her phone off the nightstand and checking it. "The alarm was supposed to go off over an hour ago! How is it on snooze?!"

"Maybe you did it?" he shrugged. "Anyways, Dad wanted you to get dressed."

"I need to shower! I need to unpack! Good God, what's wrong with me?!" she yelped, yanking her earphones out of her ears and tossing the dormant iPod aside before running into the bathroom. She ignored Riley as he chuckled and left the room, her heart still racing as she remembered the odd dream she had just moments before. "That's it, no more 'Phantom' related stuff before I go to bed!"

~OG~

The sun shone brilliantly through the clouds that crisp February morning as the Bolton family got out of their rental car and walked towards the magnificent structure. Golden angels, bronze Pegasus, and sculpted women stood proudly upon pillars and bases of copper. The grand building took everyone's breath away, and for a moment, all they could do was stare in awe and silence.

"Wow," Melody whispered, unable to believe she was able to stand before the opera house she had only read about and imagined.

"It sure is something else, huh?" Ben chuckled, taking a moment to collect himself before taking the lead. "Wait until you see the inside."

Rose took Riley's hand, giving him a gentle tug before tearing her eyes away from the rooftops and focusing on the steps before them. "Do we start lessons today, Ben?"

"I don't think so. From what I understood, we'll get a tour and then go to grab a bite. They're pretty laid back here…though I'm sure if it was up to Erik, he'd probably want to get started right away," Ben grinned.

Melody shivered at the mention of the name "Erik". She had heard that name, spoken it even, in her dream, and the figure responded. She found it oddly ironic that the owner of the Garnier was named Erik, but then again, it was probably just a coincidence, right…? She clutched the strap of her backpack, shaking her head as she shook off her suspicion. "That's about as crazy as a 'phan' theory. I don't even know this guy."

Stepping into the grand opera house, the family felt as though they had entered another realm. There was nothing quite like this back at home, with all its lavish splendor and class. Golden candelabra, a polished marble staircase, and painted ceilings took up the perimeter, stunning them to silence once more. The sound of footsteps and chatter soon filled the quiet air, snapping their attention from the interior designs to the top right staircase as two women stepped out and began their descent towards them.

"Oh, good! You made it," said the elder, a beautiful woman in her late seventies with greying red hair, her soft brown eyes twinkling at the group. She had a slight French accent as she spoke to them in English, but that only served to make her appear charming. "Welcome to the Palais Garnier. I hope you found the de Chagny estate suitable."

"Very much, thank you," Ben grinned, taking the stairs so that he could meet them halfway. The others followed in close suit, watching as Ben offered his hand to each of the ladies and shook their hands. "It's good to see you again, Madame Anna, Miss Chevalier-"

"I've told you, Benjamin, call me Anna," the woman smiled merrily, embracing him. "It's wonderful to have you back."

"Thank you," he nodded, turning his attention to the second female. She cocked her dark eyebrows at him, her black hair cut so that she appeared to be a feisty pixie. Her blue eyes appeared to be drops from the ocean, shimmering and mesmerizing. "Thank you again, Miss-"

"Monique, Ben. I think we've known each other long enough for you to stop the formalities," she smirked, placing her hands on her hips before giving him a playful, accusing look. She spoke impeccable English that seemed to roll off her tongue with ease, surprising the girls.

"Of course," he answered sheepishly, blushing as he heard his son giggling. "Uh, let me introduce the family! Everyone, this is Anna Chevalier-Perrault, the dance instructor here, and Monique Chevalier co-owner and co-manager of the Garnier. Ladies, you remember Riley, no doubt?"

"How could we forget?" Anna beamed.

"Hi, Riles," grinned Monique, earning a smile from the boy.

"Hey Monique! We missed you!" the child exclaimed, running up to them and embracing each woman as though they were close relatives. "Can I check out the underground tunnels Erik was talking about last time we met? They sound cool-!"

"Maybe another day," Monique suggested. "Erik's usually the one in charge of that part, and he won't be back until later today."

Motioning for his sisters' to join, he introduced them. "This is Rebecca Rose, or just Rose for short, and Melody."

"We've heard quite a bit about you," Anna said warmly as they shook hands. "We hope you'll enjoy it here."

"Thanks," Melody nodded politely.

"Yes, thank you!" Rose beamed. "This is all so exciting!"

"Then let's start the tour," Monique suggested, motioning for them to follow her. The group trailed behind, their heads in constant motion to capture every detail about the place.

"Do you mind if I take pictures?" Melody asked, slinging her bag in front of her so that she might tug out her camera.

"Of course not, dear, feel free. Ben tells us you'll be making promotional posters and starting a webpage for the event," Anna answered. "Take as many as you'd like. You'll take some of the rehearsals, too, won't you?"

"Yes, I'll need some of those," Melody admitted, immediately snapping away as she caught sight of the lavish chandeliers and massive mirrors in the halls. "I'll have to remember to go back to the foyer and the façade to take pictures, too."

"There'll be plenty of time for that," Monique reassured her. "Wait until you see the auditorium."

Taking several turns and another set of stairs, they soon found themselves waking down halls with velvet-lined floors, doors to private viewing boxes appearing at their sides. They kept moving, never stopping for a moment. "That door here is the manager's office, so if you need anything during practices and we're not already out there, stop by," Monique informed them.

Melody snapped a picture of the door, certain that she would forget moments later where to even turn to. The place was massive and every turn brought a new spectacle to look at. "How long have you known each other?" she asked, recalling how informal Riley and Ben were with the ladies.

"We've known Benjamin for a year now, but he's come to be very dear to us in the past two months since he and Erik started collaborating on small pieces and discussing music," Anna informed them, patting the man affectionately on the shoulder. Ben merely rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish from the compliment.

"This way," Monique spoke up, entering a door which stated "Employees Only". Passing through the doorway, they entered an area that was clearly much more practical, with wood, sandbags, beams, props, and curtains. This was the place that held the magic, wonder, and secrets that the audience was deceived by.

"Why is it so quiet today? I thought that maybe you would have auditions," Rose asked, scanning the area for signs of life.

"We've given the employees the day off since you were coming, and auditions will be starting this week, so we figured we all needed an extra day," Anna replied, though Melody found it odd how she kept glancing up at the rafters and catwalks. "Ah, here we are!"

As they took another step, the group realized that they had traveled all the way around the auditorium's seating area to step out onto the stage, the magnificent setting stretched out before them. Miles of velvet-lined seats reach out to the far-off wall, while the walls themselves had been carved to create pockets for private, lavish boxes, and a plateau of a balcony. Gold accented the beautiful scarlet room, and just past the end of the recently polished stage was the orchestra pit, spacious and dark. Raising their eyes, they saw the glory of the painted angels and cherubim gazed down upon them past the massive and elusive chandelier which dripped with decadent crystals and gems.

"Wow," Melody breathed for the second time that day, too stunned for several minutes before she realized she ought to be taking pictures of the place.

"It's even more beautiful than I imagined!" gasped Rose.

"Big whop, it's just some lights, paint, and sparkles," shrugged Riley, though he, too, had been amazed at first sight. "Are you sure we can't go see the underground parts instead?"

"Sorry, kiddo. Sparklies and paintings will be it for today," Monique smirked. "Anyways, we can show you what goes on behind the scenes or just give you a tour of the front rooms."

"Could we see the backways and rooms here?" Rose asked, intrigued by what was hidden from the public eye during performances.

"We've love to show you," Anna smiled, motioning with her hand for them to follow. Pointing, she explained, "Back towards the way we came in are the dressing rooms for most of the dancers and actors. There used to be a dormitory here up until the 1930s, but now we use it as a general changing area and studio for the ballerinas. There is only one room that has yet to be refurbished and it will probably remain that way until after the showcase has been completed. We'll show you those more in detail later when we come back around – if you'll follow me this way, I'll show you the seamstress rooms first."

Melody trailed behind, curiosity prodding incessantly at her mind. Why was there only one room that hadn't been modernized? Why did both mother and daughter constantly glance around while they walked on in the eerie silence? Something about this beautiful place was not right…

"Oh!" she gasped, pulling out her phone from her pocket as it rung softly. "Shoot! Ben, this is one of Mom's friends – Rachel, remember her? She told me she would call to ask if I could take photos of some cool places here in Paris but she didn't have the list. I'll bet that's why she's calling now."

"Can't it wait?" he frowned, his eyes darting pointedly at their guides.

"I'm really sorry, but it's for Mom's new project, it might help with the new promotion!" she pleaded. "I'll make it quick, I promise!"

"We know how it is," Monique nodded. "You can stay here if you'd like, we'll just be down the hall towards the left. Make a right when you get to the corner."

"Got it, thanks!" she nodded, answering the phone as she faced the other way. "Hey Rachel! Yeah…yes, we're actually here now, the owners are giving us a tour…no, it's ok…have you got the list? Good, give me a minute…" Moving as fast as she could, she shoved the camera back into the bag before tugging out her notebook and pen. "Go ahead…uh-huh…uh-huh…ok…right…sure. Don't worry, I'll get them all…ok…thanks, Rachel. Say 'hi' to Mom for us, will you?...thanks. Ok, bye." Hanging up the call, she slipped the item back into her jean pocket before placing her materials back into her bag. She could hear Monique talking as she gave the tour of the backstage passageways, just around the corner. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw the passage which led to the dressing rooms, her curiosity still gnawing at her brain. Placing her hand to her cheek and tapping her fingers against her skin, she contemplated going off on her own.

"I really ought to catch up with them…why on earth would I go off just to check out some old, dank room?" She clutched the strap of her bag and began to walk off in the direction Monique had pointed out when a flash of movement caught her eye, causing her to gasp and spin around. "Ben?" she called out softly, startled by the motion. No answer came back, and Monique's voice was starting to sound much more distant now. The shadow appeared to have run off in the direction of the dressing rooms, only serving to further her stubborn, curious nature. Pursing her lips together, her brows furrowed in determination, she tugged out her camera once more and made her way slowly back towards the way she came.

Walking as quietly as she could, Melody felt that she, too, had to constantly look over her shoulder as she felt there was something – or perhaps someone – nearby. Making a left turn, she could see the doors of the rooms as she tiptoed down the hallway. She paused a moment, waiting to see if anyone would come out. Sucking in a deep breath, she shook her head and kept going. "You're making this feel like those bad horror flicks Riley enjoys so much. Just get it over it and hurry back to the others!" her logic seemed to scold her. Forcing herself onward, she peered at each door until she noticed once of them did not have a name emblazoned on the seemingly antique wood. Reaching her hand out, she grasped the handle and turned it…

…but it wouldn't open.

Her brows furrowed in frustration as she tried again, more forcefully this time. Gripping the handle, she braced herself against the frame and bumped her body onto the door, sending her flying into the room. A yelp of surprise escaped her as she tumbled onto the floor, her heart pounding a million miles per hour. "Oh my gosh," she breathed, checking her camera before picking herself up and moving the door until it was opened just a sliver. Running her fingers through her chocolate-colored hair, she turned about to look at the room. The wallpaper was, indeed, faded and old, the pattern printed appearing to be as old as the early 1920s. The furniture was covered with cloths and rags for protection, though they were not covered in dust. "They take care of this room enough so that it's preserved, but they don't change it…why?" she murmured aloud when she noticed a tall structure that was also covered on the wall. The fabric on this item, however, was ruffled and disturbed, appearing to be recently moved. She could make out the outline of a dull brass frame, prompting her to step forth and reach out once more. Arriving at the cloth, she gently grasped it and tugged with both hands, watching it fall down before her as a mirror displayed her surroundings as well as her bewildered face.

The poor girl ran to her dressing room in a fright and locked the door before falling to her knees and crying. It was a disaster – the whole evening was a disaster! First Carlotta, then the chandelier!

"Oh, Angel! If you are well, please appear now! I need you now more than ever!" the golden-haired beauty cried out, raising her arms to the ceiling.

For a moment, there was no sound other than her feeble sobs. She clutched her arms, weeping still, when suddenly, the long, mournful wail of a violin floated to her.

"Come, and believe in me!" a beautiful voice called to her, causing her to stare at the mirror. The words had a powerful, inexplicable effect, and before she knew it, she was walking to the mirror in a trance-like state. The room around her dissolved, and suddenly, she was consumed into the darkness of a hidden passage.

Melody gasped and leapt away, shaking her head as she felt her heart leap into her throat. "What-?! Not again!" she whispered. Where did this memories come from? How was she able to see them so vividly? Biting her lip, she dared to touch the frame once more, but just as the window in her room, nothing happened. Her hand curled into a fist as she stopped and thought a moment. Should she leave and forget about all this?

Her brows furrowed in determination and resolve as she reached for the foggy, reflective panel. "I've come too far to turn back now…maybe the answer to all this craziness is behind this mirror…"

Try as she might, the mirror would not move. Pouting a moment, she considered breaking the glass but decided against it – destruction of property wouldn't serve to help her if she was caught by anyone. Cautious, she placed both hands on the frame of the mirror, gingerly running her fingers over the sides as she hoped she would find-

"Oh!" she blinked, her left forefinger brushing against a button, the mirror before her quaking before sliding slowly away. She stared in shock as it did so, noticing that the device did not squeak or groan as it moved. "It's been used before…or recently." Inhaling deeply, she held her breath and reached for her camera as it hung around her neck and clutched it, as if for support. Timidly, she stepped into the opening, only to stop and return the way she came, scouring the room until she found a stool hidden under the tarps. Snatching it, she positioned it within the frame before entering once more, her eyes peering into the darkness as she went deeper and deeper.

A pathway leading to her left was dimly lit, with only one torch fizzling weakly. "Someone else has definitely been here recently…but who-?"

As rapidly as silently as a snake, a hand gripped her shoulder, forcefully spinning her around as a scream rippled out of her throat and her camera blinked quietly. There before her stood a tall, thin figure, draped in shadows and darkness, a wide-brimmed felt hat dipping over his face while a massive cloak swayed around his body. She couldn't make out any details, except for one particular feature – the man had strange, golden eyes that glowered at her in the darkness, eyes that shook her to her core.

She was absolutely waterlogged after getting knocked into the lake, still slightly disoriented as she coughed out the water from her lungs.

"Where is…oh no."

"What?!"

"She hit Erik's face underwater…it must have slipped off when Erik brought her up!"

"Erik-!"

"No, don't let her see me-!"

Her eyes focused on the figure before her, his face still hazy, though his strange golden eyes glowed in their sockets. All at once, she saw him, her mouth opened to scream, though the only sound that came out was a strangled gasp. It was then that their eyes met.

"Get. Out."

Those two words made her shiver. They were whispered, barely uttered, and yet, they made her feel as though she had received a horrible sentence. Recoiling from the stranger, she didn't wait another moment, running out the way she came. The mirror was just starting to close when she lunged through the opening, yanking the stool out before running for the door, yanking it open and slamming it shut after her within the span of a second. Leaning against the wood, she gasped for air, her whole body shaking from the terrifying encounter. Being caught by the glowing-eyed shadow-man and receiving yet another perplexing and frightening flashback sent her into a tizzy, making her unable to stand for several moments.

"Aunt Mel?!"

The sound of Riley's voice made her yelp again, her hand moving to cover her mouth right after the action was committed. Raising her head, she saw the red-headed boy run to her, his blue eyes trained on her and filled with concern. "There you are, Aunt Mel! Dad and Auntie were wondering what happened to you! We're in the other direction, remember?...are you ok? You look like you just saw a ghost."

"I'm…I'm fine," she lied, accepting his hand as she forced herself upright, eager to move away from the accursed dressing room. "My God…the mirror, the passage, that man…it's all just like…" "The Phantom of the Opera," she whispered, clutching her camera and bag strap until her knuckles turned white.

"What'd you say, Aunt Mel?" Riley asked, glancing up at her as he led her back to the others.

"Uh…nothing, Riley. Nothing…just thinking out loud," she fibbed once more.

"You're acting really weird, Aunt Mel. Did you really see a ghost, because if you did, that'd be so cool-!"

"No…I didn't see a ghost. I thought I saw something…then again, it's an old building right? I let my imagination run wild."

"That sucks," he pouted, oblivious to her dissolving fear that transformed once more into curiosity.

As she followed her nephew back, Melody felt all the worry and fear she had experiences seconds ago change into confusion and, of course, curiosity. "Just who was that strange man, anyway? The Phantom of the Opera is just a story, after all, he doesn't exist, right? Someone must be pulling my leg…" Glancing back at the shrinking door, her brows furrowed as she chewed the inside of her cheek. "Whoever you are, I'm going to find out, threats be damned."