The Awards
It had been ten years since the Second War and the wizarding world had come a long way. Bloodlines were getting more and more blurred, or it was just that people no longer cared about them much. While still concealed under the Statute of Secrecy, wizards had come closer to muggles, blending into their lives undetected to benefit from the best of both worlds. The latest fads always included something muggle-inspired as ethnic-chic. The use of electricity, telecom, and the internet, to the extent it was usable in magical locations, became common. The wizarding world was forging ahead into the next century.
With all of this grew a craze for muggle cinema. Soon wizards even started making their own films - with a few minor improvements of course. Viewers were actually inside the film. In certain cinemas, viewers could choose which character they wanted to be. For the costlier tickets, they could even re-write the film every time they went back to the cinema. It was a bit like muggle video games, except a lot more like real life and completely immersive. Pretty soon, magical film-making began to be considered as glamorous and refined an art as in the muggle world.
A few young pioneers of this magical-muggle technology blazed the trail - and now it was the grand reckoning of all their efforts. It was the night of the 1st Magical Cine Awards, celebrated in a gala attended by the who's who of the global magical community. A grand panel of celebrated artistes had been selected to judge the awards. The event was highly publicised and had the support of the Ministry, not just because it was the latest fashion but because magical cinema was seen as the epitome of wizard-muggle harmony, and a prime example of the good that could come from the muggle world.
The design of the lavish arena constructed for the event had been rumoured in the papers for months, but the crowds were still wowed at the unveiling. A sumptuous staircase made of what appeared to be diamonds, led up to the marble entrance of the foyer which was wreathed in golden trellises. Magical fairy lights hovered strategically around guests and sprinkled gold dust at their arrival. Amongst the first on the red carpet was Harry Potter, legendary victor of the Second War against Voldemort, now serving as Chief Auror at the Ministry. He arrived with Hermione Granger of the Golden Trio fame as his date for the evening, but the journalists did not get their hopes up. Their friendship was too well known in the magical world for their date to cause any buzz, and it had become even more cemented after the death of Ronald Weasley two years prior in a tragic accident.
While Hermione Granger did not set off a buzz for accompanying Harry Potter, she was still a reporters' darling. Initially known for her famed brains she was now also blessed with a stunning, glowing beauty that had come upon her as her youth fully bloomed and she was quite the sight for sore eyes. A successful lawyer, she spent a lot of time doing pro bono work supporting the rights of marginalised magical creatures.
A magical car apparated shortly afterwards carrying the very same Ginny Weasley, who was in the contention for the award of the Best Actress for her role in the film "Kiss and Don't Tell". Accompanying her was none other than the producer of said movie Theodore Nott. Ginny looked radiant in a sparkling blood red dress and the couple appeared to be on intimate terms.
Even as Ginny posed on the red carpet for the cameras, Astoria Greengrass, a contender for the same award for her daring role in the scandalous film "Daring to Bare" also walked in, and the icy glances between the two were not lost on the reporters. While film critics had fawned over Ginny's performance, Daring to Bare had broken all prior box office records.
The crowds lining the barriers were rewarded for their breathless wait when Draco Malfoy's well known black lamborghini finally apparated onto the red carpet. The camera flashes could be well mistaken for a lightning storm as he stepped out and then helped his date, who turned out to be the famous model Katya Ivanova. Draco Malfoy was well known for his excellent taste in picking his dates, but it was the mystery of the decade how this gorgeous man who also happened to be filthy rich had not yet been seen to be in a relationship. Paparazzi buzzed about him at every event to sniff out his feelings towards the women he would be with, but unfailingly Draco would appear at the next event with a new woman. His formidable mind had been instrumental in taking the Malfoy fortune to the next level and never allowed for a lapse in his privacy. Some years ago he had passed on the management of his businesses to various capable wizards and witches and to everyone's surprise, joined the Auror Office. He still remained involved in key decisions regarding Malfoy Industries (given he still owned over 90% of interests) but now his time was spent fighting magical crime.
Several other cars that apparated over the next few minutes included the esteemed judges, several members of the Weasley family, film critic Pansy Parkinson, the Minister of Magic Ernie MacMillan, the UK quidditch captain Colin Creevey, and several other film stars and film makers from the world over.
Almost the last to arrive was the desperately awaited chief guest of the evening: the American billionaire philanthropist Clive Gold, a muggle born wizard who spent most of his time in the muggle world, and was a huge supporter of the arts. Supporting various arts in the era after the Second War had been his dearest project and this event had come to fruition thanks in part to his efforts. His very handsome face was known all over the world and his passion and intellect made him as much an eligible bachelor in the US as was Malfoy in Britain.
Inside the awards ceremony, seating arrangements were such that key nominees and their special guests were in the front half of the massive hall on large round tables, with ticket-holders at the back of the hall in rows of seats. One large table in the front held most of the cast and guests of Daring to Bare. On an adjacent table sat cast members and guests of Kiss and Don't Tell. Both Harry and Hermione, invitees of Ginny Weasley, were on that table along with Theodore Nott and his guests Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini. Although Ginny and Harry had stopped dating a few years after the Second War, they had remained good friends. A few of Ginny's family members including parents Molly and Arthur, along with Fred, Bill and Fleur Weasley are also in attendance.
In the minutes before the awards ceremony kicked off, the seated guests were chatting and being served with champagne while delectable hors d'oeuvres continually appeared on the tables. On the Kiss and Don't Tell table, undetectable undercurrents are at play.
Although Harry was invited by Ginny, a strained atmosphere appeared to exist between Harry and Ginny who were seated next to each other but talking to people on the other side of them. Ginny was speaking in low tones with Hermione to her left. Theodore, who along with the other men on the table was keenly aware of Hermione's raw sensual charms, looked nonchalant but was listening just enough to know they were discussing a romantic entanglement of some sort. Judging by the smile on Hermione's face he guessed it could be hers (but hoped it wasn't). Draco Malfoy, seated to the left of Nott was unusually quiet and dare we say, nervous? The other guests didn't know that he had eyes for only one person at the table, and his damned Malfoyness would not allow him to look at her too long.
Just as the announcement was being made that lights would be dimmed for the show to start on stage, Moly Weasley burst into tears. Ginny rushed over to her and had a whispered conversation with her, patting her hand but her eyes also shone with unshed tears. It was not hard to guess the exchange was about Ronald, whose absence was felt by many at the table.
Just as Ginny made her way back to her chair Clive Gold started the presentation of the awards. His charm and his passion were almost tangible, and women in the audience fell just a little bit in love with him as he talked about his humble beginnings, his love for art, and his vision to see juggles and wizards united in the pursuit of authentic art.
The first few awards were for technical skill and they were split across several films. In the pause between awards the audience speculated about the major awards. The award for the best actor was announced for Jack Graham, a Dutch actor who debuted in Daring to Bare. Anticipation mounted for the Best Actress when Clive slowly unfolded the parchment.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honour to announce that the best actress award goes to... Ginny Weasley!"
The entire hall erupted in fierce cheers as Ginny jumped up and hugged Theodore as others patted her back and congratulate her at the table. Then she headed up the staircase on the side of the stage to receive her trophy from Clive. Suddenly, the hall was plunged into pitch darkness. Confused whispers started when a thud and thump was heard from the area of the stage. Then, just as suddenly, the lights came back on. However, Ginny Weasley was not seen where she was standing earlier. Confused whispers rose in volume until it was hard to hear anything that was going on. Suddenly the cameras showed her fallen in a heap near the stairs.
Clive Gold rushed to her to help her up, and several officials also emerged from the stage wings to give aid. A woman official turned her over. Clive's face blanched and he fell back from the huddle with unseeing eyes, his hands covering his mouth. An official slowly stood up and made to say something. The audience fell to a pin-drop silence. In a hushed, disbelieving voice he said, "She is dead."
Molly Weasley fainted.
A/N: Hi everyone! I have a pretty complex plot line and I haven't written a mystery story before this. I'd appreciate any constructive comments but please note I am writing to learn, and it will not be perfect. On that note, I'd love some help if someone has time to beta for me. I want to keep it a fast-paced story and make sure everything is clear! Look forward to your reviews & thoughts on chapter 1... too slow?