A/N: I am surprised with how people keep begging for more chapters and demanding answers. Obviously the outcome will be revealed in due course… about the case… but hey I have been known to throw in twists when least expected… don't believe me? Check out my other fics!

DISCLAIMER: My name starts with a C… hers a J… so… there you go.

Chapter Eleven: Ultimatum

"Rose! Rose!"

Rose gave a sigh and spun around, nearly dropping the files in her arms. Her annoyed expression suddenly became one of surprise as Albus ran towards her looking serious.

"Look," he said standing before her, "You're my cousin and my best friend. I am happy for you and Scorpius… I just don't like being shoved aside. All my life I have lived in my brother's shadow. James, the great Quidditch player, James the radio star, James the ladies man. And even Lily gets more attention. Daddy's little girl, Mum's Mini Me."

Rose's expression softened and she lowered the stack of files, "Albus… I-I-"

"You don't have to say it again," he said with a small smile, "I should probably go anyway. My class starts soon. I just wanted you to know that."

Rose nodded and Albus turned to leave, "Al?"

He stopped and looked at her in silence.

"Tonight, how about you and I go see a movie? I finish at six and have tomorrow off."

Albus smiled, "Sounds great. I'll meet you downstairs at six."

Rose gave a nod and smile and Albus left. She headed into the staff room and dumped the files onto the table and looked at Matilda and Hilda.

"We have to go through all of these to see if we can find a cure for patient Henry Banger," said Rose sitting opposite them as Fred walked in conversing with the Chief.

"Ladies," said the Chief Healer with a smile, "Good to see Resident Healer Williams has got you working on the Banger case."

The three witches smiled as they grabbed a file and got their quill and parchment ready. The Chief left and Fred gave Matilda a gentle kiss on the lips.

"Still on for tonight?" he asked her quietly.

Matilda nodded and kissed him again, "Can't wait."

Fred smiled and looked up at Rose, "I just saw Al. You and him talking again?"

"Seems that way. We are catching a movie tonight."

"Good. It's been weird having you and Al not talking," said Fred standing up right, "Well get onto it Interns. The Banger case won't cure itself."

The three laughed as Fred walked out into the busy corridor. Hilda gave a groan and looked at the stack.

"This is all of them right?"

Rose nodded, "Starting from the 1600's to five years ago. Every patient died. The same symptoms for this one. Breathing difficulty, bubbling rash, constant nose bleeds. See if any skin peelings have been studied for other illness strands."

Matilda and Hilda nodded and the three began flicking through the case notes.

"Ah, Mr Hugo Weasley!" cried the jewellery store shopkeeper.

Hugo gave the elderly man a smile and pulled the slip of paper from his pocket, "Just wondering, do you have this ring available?"

Hugo handed the man the slip of paper from Scorpius. The shopkeeper studied it for a fraction of a second and gave a big grin and nod.

"Most certainly Mr Weasley, most certainly!"

"Great… so can I please purchase one?"

The shopkeeper beamed, "Why, Mr Weasley, I thought you had only just started seeing someone! Quite certain she is the one, then?"

Hugo frowned. His family was quite well known due to the war so many years ago, but how could this man know about his private life?

Noticing Hugo's confused frown the shopkeeper gave a chuckle and smile, "My dear boy, your mother and father came to see me for a commitment ring when they were young. Then your father came to me again a few months later to buy an engagement ring. Again, your parents came to me for their wedding rings. I was invited to their wedding and ever since your mother visits me once a month to see how I am and tell me how her family is."

Hugo gave a nod, "Oh well, that's alright then."

The shopkeeper gave a smile as he pulled the ring out and set it in front of Hugo on the counter.

"Well?"

Hugo looked at the ring and nodded, "It's amazing. I'm sure she'll love it."

"Yes, whoever gets this is one lucky lady."

Hugo nodded, thinking of how his sister would react to the ring. He pulled the moneybag from his robe pocket and placed it on the corner. The shopkeeper eyed the bag in amazement and nodded.

"Someone has been saving hard."

Hugo just nodded as the shopkeeper counted out the money and wrapped up the ring box with the ring snug inside. With a thankyou, Hugo pocketed the wrapped ring box and left.

Scorpius looked up from the paperwork him and Reese were going over as Hugo arrived. Scorpius stood and went over to Hugo who handed him the wrapped box and gave him back the moneybag that was considerably lighter.

"Did they have it?" asked Scorpius unwrapping the box.

Hugo nodded, "The shopkeeper is friends with my parents."

Scorpius looked up, "What?"

"Don't worry. I gave him the impression I was buying the ring for Payton."

Scorpius nodded as he opened the case. He smiled softly and closed it, pocketing the ring box, "It's perfect… I think."

"Oh it is," said Hugo, "If Rose doesn't faint at the sight of that then she seriously has something with her. So, when will you give it to her?"

Scorpius shrugged, "I don't know… when the timing is right I suppose."

"You plan on marrying, Rose?" said Reese with interest.

"Yeah, why?" asked Scorpius with a frown, "Is that a bad thing?"

"No, not at all," said Reese pacing back and forth over the kitchen floor, "In fact this is good… very good. We need this engagement to become public."

"What?" cried Hugo.

"Why?" demanded Scorpius furiously.

"It would make you seem a responsible young man, ready to settle down – someone who wouldn't jeopardise his happiness with a young girl, who is smart, happens to be a Weasley and a studying Healer at St Mungo's."

"But that would shove Rose into the public eye. She probably wouldn't even be able to work," said Scorpius, "Why would you even think of using her?"

"Look, it was just an idea," said Reese, "Perhaps we can keep things under wraps for now, but Scorpius, Rose would do anything to help prove your innocence."

"Yeah well I won't be the reason why her world gets turned upside down more then it has already. She means everything to me and if I can protect her in one small way through all of this, then I will do it."

Reese just nodded, "We'll put the idea away for now, but if things become desperate I will push the issue once more."

"Do you have any news from the Auror Department?

Reese gave a sigh, "Harry is still working his way through the lawyers. I think they are considering searching the Wilson's old property and where Mary Wilson is living now. It will cause a scandal amongst the press but I believe something important may turn up."

"We can only hope," said Scorpius with an agreeing nod from Hugo.

Rose stretched and gave a cheer as their shift came to an end. Her, Matilda and Hilda packed up their research and took the files to their locker room, placing them on a trolley leaving a note to not move or touch the files. There were other piles of files from other Healer's doing research on the job. Rose pulled off her work robes and stuck them in her locker. She pulled on her black trench coat and slipped on her mid-thigh brown boots. With a quick brush of her hair she left the locker room with Hilda and Matilda.

"So what are you and Fred getting up to tonight?" asked Hilda curiously.

"Oh just a dinner thing," said Matilda.

"Oh come on, you don't blush just about a dinner," said Rose with a laugh, "At least I don't."

Matilda blushed once again and shook her head.

"We are your friends," said Hilda, "You can tell us anything."

"I'll tell you guys tomorrow. Right now, there is Fred. Bye!" cried Matilda as she dashed off to his waiting arms.

Hilda and Rose smiled as the couple kissed and left arm in arm.

"And there is your date," said Hilda to Rose spotting Albus waiting by the water cooler, "I'll have a quiet night at home I think."

"What about Eleanor?"

"It's a casual thing," shrugged Hilda, "She has work commitments."

Rose nodded and hugged Hilda goodbye before heading over to Albus who greeted her with a smile.

"So," said Rose, "What movie are we going to see?"

The pair started heading towards the exit, which gave them the normal signal that all was clear.

"Well I was thinking of the remake of Mean Girls with Suri Cruise," suggested Albus.

"Sure, why not? Thought I doubt it will beat the original," said Rose, "Hardly any remakes are better then the originals."

"I don't really care," said Albus, "That Suri is hot."

Rose gave a chuckle and shake of the head. Albus had thought Suri Cruise was hot as a teenager.

"Albus, she is taken. And lives overseas and her father would probably freak if he learnt there was a secret society in the world he didn't know about," joked Rose, "Besides, I think you can do better."

Albus gave Rose a smile, "I have met someone."

"Oh… come on, spill the beans then!"

"Well, she comes into the joke shop occasionally to buy something for her kid."

"Kid?"

Albus nodded, "She's the same age as us. Turns twenty in a month. Her kid is four. Funny young boy. We get along really well. We spend more time talking and laughing then picking out products."

"Then ask her out."

"I want to, trust me… I just don't know if that's what she wants."

"Well ask her for goodness sake," said Rose, "You can't stand back forever."

Albus gave a shrug, "I don't know."

Rose sighed, "If someone else snaps her up, won't you feel a fool for not making your move sooner?"

Albus gave a nod as they rounded the corner to the cinemas, "I'll ask her when I see her next. Something simple, like a cup of coffee."

Rose gave a nod, "Brilliant. I expect to hear regular progress reports."

Two Months and Two weeks ago…

"… and so now we are waiting for the results from the skin tests."

Scorpius slid shut the bedside draw as Rose came from the bathroom tying the bottom of her plait with a black hair tie. He gave her a smile as she sat beside him on the bed and gave him a kiss.

"Any word from your uncle about the lawyers?"

Rose gave a sigh and nod, "He says one more month at the least. But he thinks they will get access to the old Wilson property in the next two days if all goes to plan."

"What about the new place?"

"Next week… wouldn't it be great if they found a contract? With that photograph, the contract and your families well known prejudice against anyone not of pureblood. It should all point away from you."

Scorpius smiled at the thought of being free before another occurred to him, "What if they still send me away?"

"What?" frowned Rose, "Why would they?"

"They might not want to look stupid. They might want to send me away for some other trumped up charge. You never know Rose… and what if there is no sign of the contract?"

"We just have to believe there is a contract. My uncle is pretty certain it exists. That Henry Wilson constantly bragged about it."

"Rose," said Scorpius, "If things became desperate… and… and there was a possible way – not a firm it will work chance – but one that will help me… would you take part in it?"

"Of course I would… what is it?"

"Reese thinks making our engagement public would do the case good. He said that it would make me seem a responsible young man who wouldn't ruin his happiness… plus you have a really good reputation."

Rose sat in silence with a slight frown as the thought over the emergency plan. Scorpius stood up and walked over to the window, looking down at the darkened yard. It was hard to believe that four and a half months ago he had turned up covered in another mans blood. Rose came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his warm back.

"I'll do it."

"Really?"

"Of course. I would do anything for you."

She moved to his side and sat on the window seat facing him, drawing her legs up to her body. Scorpius looked out the window before walking over to the bedside draw. He walked back over to her and took a deep breath.

"Would you be fine with telling your family?" he asked seriously.

Rose looked confused before noticing the square black box in his hand, "W-what?"

Scorpius kneeled down holding out the closed box, "I've been waiting for the perfect time. I know I've asked you the question before but I feel a ring will make it official. So… Rose, will you marry me in the future? Hopefully the near future?"

Scorpius opened the black box revealing a silver band ring with a round cut white diamond, with six round cut rubies surrounding it in a flower like design. Rose stared at the ring in surprise, her eyes wide and her mouth partly opened.

"Oh my Merlin," she whispered, "I… I knew I would get a ring eventually… but… Scorpius… this is beyond beautiful. And of course I will marry you. I already said so!"

Scorpius laughed as he pulled the ring out from the box, "I was just making sure."

Rose managed a smile, watching the ring slide onto the appropriate finger in amazement. It was a perfect fit and seemed to suit her small hand perfectly.

"Do you like it?"

Rose nodded, "Its perfect… just like you."

Scorpius grinned and leaned forward, kissing her tenderly. He then stood and pulled her up.

"Come on," said Rose after a hug and a few more kisses, "Let's tell them."

Rose pulled Scorpius along behind her and headed down stairs to the living room. Her father was watching a muggle movie called 'Bend It Like Beckham' while her mother was knitting some scarfs to donate to the church down the road and also watching the movie.

"Mum, Dad," said Rose brightly clutching onto Scorpius hand tightly, "We need to speak to you both."

Hermione looked up with interest while Ron turned the television volume down and looked at the pair with a frown.

"Oh Merlin," said Ron going pale, "You are pregnant this time, aren't you?"

Rose looked at her father in surprise, "No! No not that."

"Thank Merlin for that."

"Actually," said Rose with a glance to Scorpius, "We're engaged."

Hermione dropped her knitting needle while the ones around her fell to the ground. Ron sat up straighter and looked at Rose as if he hadn't heard her properly.

"Sorry?" said Hermione.

"We are engaged," said Rose, "Scorpius asked me over a month ago now and I said yes… and he just brought me a ring."

Rose held out her hand with the ring and Ron swore loudly before looking away. Hermione stared at the ring in amazement before looking at Rose's happy face.

"Oh Rosie!" she said standing up and hugging her, "You look so happy!"

Rose smiled as she hugged her mother, who let her go and surprised Scorpius with a hug. Ron gave a sigh and looked at his daughter watching her fiancée with happiness. It was what he wanted, for her to be happy and he couldn't really change her mind or heart.

Plus, he knew from the time had had spent with Scorpius, that Rose had picked a good one, despite his last name and family members.

Ron stood and hugged his daughter, who clutched onto her father tightly.

"Weirdly enough," whispered Rose, "In same ways he reminds me of you."

Ron smiled and pulled back taking in the fact that he had ignored for so long. His little girl was a woman now. In a month she would be twenty. No longer in the teen digits. He looked at Scorpius and shook his hand.

"Congratulations."

"Thankyou," said Scorpius, "I will take care of her."

Ron smiled and nodded, "I believe you will."

"Oh my," said Hermione smiling, "Where is that brother of yours? Still out with Payton?"

Rose nodded, "He knows. So does Albus."

"We need to have a family dinner to celebrate! Your grandparents… everyone!"

"What about next week? On Thursday?" said Rose.

"That's my birthday," said Scorpius.

"I know," said Rose wrapping her arms around his waist, smiling, "That way we will have two things to celebrate."

"I think it sounds like fun," came Hugo's voice from the hallway.

He walked in with a blonde haired girl with hazel eyes. She was a little taller then Rose with a slim figure, but with a few curves.

"Mum, Dad, Rose and Scorpius this is Payton Cresswell," said Hugo, "Payton, this is my father, mother sister and my sister's-"

"Fiancée!" said Hermione happily, "And you knew, Hugo!"

"You told them?" said Hugo in surprise.

Rose nodded and showed Hugo the ring. Hugo gave a smile.

"Well, its about time," said Hugo, "Payton knows as well… and she is like us – thinks Scorpius is innocent."

"I knew of you in school," said Payton to Scorpius in a soft voice, "You seemed pretty nice."

Scorpius gave a nod, "Thankyou."

"Well," said Hermione, "Perhaps a nice cup of coffee for us all would be nice? Payton? Would you like one?"

"Oh yes please Mrs Weasley."

Hermione smiled, "Well you can come help Rose and I."

"Brilliant!" cried Harry as Ron walked in, two days after the announced engagement, "Ron we have access to the old Wilson residence."

"About time!" said Ron, "Want me to get the squad ready?"

Harry nodded, "We leave in ten minutes."

Ron nod and left quickly, yelling out orders on Harry's behalf. As Harry pulled on his cloak marked with his position on the front and back his office door shut. Turning he was met with a high-ranking member of the Ministry board.

"Mr Potter," he said seriously.

Harry gave a frown, knocking something off his desk. He bent down and picked it up, placing it between his family photos.

"Mr Habberworthy," said Harry in surprise, "What brings you here, today?"

"It seems that you are close to getting answers on the Wilson Murder case."

Harry nodded, "If my instincts are correct, which I believe they are, I am. Is that a problem?"

"Mr Potter, the Ministry has already come to a conclusion on Mr Malfoy. We do not like to look like fools."

"How can you possibly look foolish? The whole case has been turned upside down over a thousand times."

"Precisely my point. The media is having a field day with this case. They are saying we are determined to blame the young Malfoy, and then when something else could possibly incriminate him they are blaming us for protecting him. Mr Potter, your family has close ties with this case. If he is found innocent there will be uproar amongst the citizens. The Ministry will be hit hard and we will be damaged."

"Only one department in the Ministry is involved in this case, Habberworthy – my Department. This case is just as complex as any other murder case. All cases can have twists and turns! It will not destroy or damage the Ministry. The only reason it has gained so much attention is because of the Malfoy name."

"The family has plenty of influence among the community. Lucius and Draco are constantly on damage control. They are trying to preserve their family name."

"What is in it for you Habberworthy? What do you want?" demanded Harry tired of beating around the bush.

"Mr Potter there is only one answer that will satisfy everyone. Send Mr Malfoy to Azkaban."

"What?" demanded Harry, "He is looking more innocent day by day. If I am right there will be two Malfoy's going to Azkaban, Habberworthy!"

"Potter," snapped Habberworthy, "Your position is on the line with this case – that I know you have become aware of. Do the right thing for yourself and your family. Send him to Azkaban!"

"And if I don't? What will you lose?"

"More then you know and I will not be alone!"

Habberworthy left, slamming the door shut behind him. Harry gave a sigh and picked up the item amongst his photos, shutting off the recording he had made.

"Bingo," murmured Harry slipping it into his briefcase before leaving.

A/N: So… Habberworthy is blackmailing Harry, Hugo seems to be getting serious about Payton and Albus and Rose are talking again! Yay! Review!

Until next time…

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