A/N: Sorry I've taken so long to update! Here is Chapter 16 finally and its kinda short. I have a lot of tests coming up so I will try and get the next chapter up as soon as I can and hopefully it will be a little longer. Thank You Everyone for reading! Hope you like this lighter chapter.

Chapter Sixteen - An Apology Long Needed

Alexandria opened the window to living room allowing it to flood with light and a crisp warm breeze. It had been two days since she had married Severus Snape in secret with only Remus Lupin as their witness. Not even Neville knew of her secret vows. She had written to Mrs. Weasley the day before informing her that her son was in the hospital after Alexandria's pet snake had attacked him in order to defend her. There was still no response letter but she was sure there would be. A letter had also been sent to Neville that she had returned safely with Severus and would be staying down in London for a while under his protection. All details were left out except that her engagement to Charlie was off and he was not to say a word, not even to Luna. A thank you had also been in order for destroying the file that she was fighting so desperately to keep out of Harry's hands.

Arms wrapped around her as she pondered all this in front of the window. Severus lay his head against hers and said nothing. Alexandria turned and held him as well but looked up at him as he raised an eyebrow to her, "What? What are you doing by the window looking so pensive?"

"I was just wondering what I'm going to do with myself now that I wont be working with dragons and I'm not going to work at Hogwarts again. I suppose I will end up being a bored housewife wont I?"

"NO! Never! We could go out for a bit. I need to buy some plants and a jar of black beetles. Would you care to join me?"

"Of course I would just let me get dressed," she said walking out of his grasp and up the stairs. Alexandria loved shopping in the wizarding world. Everything was so out of the ordinary. To see people walking around with brooms and tall pointed hats. It was really an incredible sight. What she would have given to have gone shopping for school supplies when she was a girl. Purposely, she chose a very witch like outfit. It was black but tight The sleeves were long and covered most of her hand except for her fingers. The hat sat on her head in a tilt covering part of her face. "Perfect," she whispered to herself. Alexandria rushed down the stairs, "Ok I'm ready. How are we getting there?"

Severus had also put on a long black robe. "Apparating of course."

The next thing she knew the white colored walls in their home had become dark colored stone bricks. The smell changed to a murky scent and the alley seemed to be more quiet than that of its crossing one. Knocturn Alley was the place you wanted to go for darker less pleasant looking potion ingredients. "I'll be in Diagon Alley ok?"

Severus smirked, "Alright. I'll be there soon." He kissed her cheek and placed the hood over his head. Knocturn Alley was not the best place to shop in. Even now as they were parting people stared at their finer robes and whispered to one another. Alexandria held a straight face and gripped her wand tightly. As much as she hated to do it, the only way to get them to stay away from you was intimidation. When she had been here collecting ingredients the year before she taught at Hogwarts she had seen Lucius Malfoy walk through here without once being touched or confronted. She, on the other hand, had been greeted by a lot of less than reputable looking people asking if she had gotten lost or if she had money on her. Alexandria held her head high and glared at anyone who looked as if they were gonna come near her. The light from Diagon Alley was welcoming. It was busy as usual, with witches and wizards hustling here and there. She could see Ron was busy at Remus's shop. A few faces seemed familiar occasionally but no one seemed to notice her. The dress shop and hat shop were calling for her. After buying a few dresses and a couple of hats she headed back out onto the street. People still stared at her robes but said nothing.

"Alexa?!" a young but womanly voice came from behind her.

"Ginny?" Alexandria asked feeling a little bit of a panic.

"Yes! How are you?"

"I'm doing alright. How are you?"

The girls green eyes glistened and she just gave Alexa a rather large smile, "Oh… I'm good. Listen why don't we have tea? The little Tea House by Gringotts is fabulous."

"There's a tea house there?"

"Yes, they opened it a few weeks ago. I don't suppose you come into town much though do you?" Alexandria shook her head and followed Ginny's lead. They found a small table with two seats by the window and ordered. "How are you and Charlie?"

"What?"

"Charlie… and you… how is that going? Have you set a date?"

Alexandria felt the color drain from her face. Mrs. Weasley had obviously not let everyone in on the news. "Um, Ginny… About that… Charlie and I aren't getting married anymore."

"Oh, what did he do?" she asked somehow knowing he had been the cause.

Alexandria pulled her sleeve up and showed Ginny the bruise on her wrist that had been black the day before and was gradually beginning to fade and turn purple. "I have more."

"Bloody hell!" she took Alexandria's wrist and examined it. "Charlie really is a git… someone should have told you sooner. He used to pick on Percy a lot growing up. I think thats why the poor boy worked so hard to get away."

Alexandria covered it up and smiled, "Its all good. I'm surprised your mother didn't tell you."

"No her and my dad went to St. Mungos yesterday and haven't been home much. Thats why I haven't gotten to tell them that Harry and I got engaged."

"You and Harry are engaged?!" It was Alexandria's turn to be surprised. "Wow. Congratulations!"

"Thank you. Only you and Ron know. Its so fabulous." There was indeed a rock on her all important finger. "I've been dying to tell Hermione but Harry hasn't spoken to her in over a month and I feel torn. She is my dearest friend. Luna too but she's living with Neville now."

"I think you should tell her and talk to Harry about his attitude. It hurts but it had to happen in order for him to be here and engaged to you now."

Ginny smiled, "I think I will."

Alexandria put some sickles on the table to pay for the tea and walked out with her former student. Together they walked, talked and shopped. Ginny had been living with Harry for a while now and she was more than happy with the money that came with the Potter name. From everything she was telling Alexandria it seem Harry was more than happy to let her spend it to keep her happy, especially when the topic of Hermione came up. Ginny grabbed her after walking out of the jewelry store, "Is that Snape?"

Alexandria looked up and smiled to see her husband walking through the crowd. His hood was off and he pretended to not be aware of the stares he got from others. It had been all over the papers that his name had been cleared due to the fact that it was he who helped save Harry Potter's life, risking his own and in the end being the reason Harry was able to defeat Voldemort. A few women smiled at him occasionally but he didn't notice that either. He finally noticed the two women and made his way over. "Yes, thats him."

Ginny turned Alexandria to look her in the eye, "Did you come here with him?"

"Yes, I did."

"I would have left Charlie for him… without a reason."

"What?!"

"What? He is definitely something. Is he as serious and commanding at home as he was at school? Maybe… in bed?" A blush came to the young girls face.

Alexandria was speechless, "Are you joking?"

"Come on… You cant tell me you've never shagged him. There's a sort of sexiness to him, isn't there? You cant tell me you didn't notice. I thought there was something between you two?"

"Ladies?" he said looking at his wife and then raising an eyebrow at the youngest Weasley.

"Severus," Alexandria spoke but in almost a whisper. Shock had taken her.

Severus sighed, "I got everything I need. Did you not buy anything?"

"Oh we bought stuff. Its being sent to our homes right now with a million owls." Ginny laughed. "Harry is gonna have a heart attack and get angry and all I have to say is one word: Hermione."

"You're terrible," Alexandria shook her head.

Severus looked at his wife, "Shall we go home… or well let me escort you to your home?"

Ginny smiled and put her hand on his shoulder, "Its ok… I know. How are you Severus?"

It was the first time she had used his first name when addressing him, "I'm alright, thank you Miss Weasley."

"Ah, soon to be Mrs. Potter," she said showing Severus the large diamond on her finger.

"Congratulations," he said said with a half smile.

"Dear heavens… he smiles," Ginny said putting her hand over her heart.

Alexandria laughed at this and took Severus's hand, "Yes he does."

"Oh see, he's much better than Charlie."

It was then that Harry found his fiancee. "Ginny are we all… What are you doing here?" he asked glaring at Severus.

"Harry please…" his future wife begged.

Harry looked at Alexandria, "don't you have a fiance or have you left him already to be with him?" His gazed turned to the man at her side.

Ginny hit his arm and turned to Alexandria, "I'm sorry, it seems I cant take him out in public."

Alexandria put her hand up stopping Ginny from giving any more excuses, "You know Harry you should be more grateful because if Severus hadn't saved your sorry ass from Voldemort then you would have died and everything would be different. Who knows what would have happened to all the people you care about. Ginny might have ended up in the arms of a death eater!" Comically, she could see Ginny pondering the though with a bit of interest. Even Severus almost laughed.

"What's so funny Snape?!" Harry growled.

"The fact that I was thinking about how much better that would seem in comparison to this!" Ginny said stepping in front of Severus.

Alexandria and him both were a bit surprised. It was amazing to see people stand up for him. Harry stepped back, "Fine if you feel that way then we don't have to get married!"

"Fine!" Ginny shouted throwing his ring at him.

Harry's face seemed to change, "Ginny stop this. Lets go home and talk about this. Not here with them."

"No. I wont until you get over it. Alexa is my friend and Severus is too. I wont have you take them from me just like you did Hermione. And as a matter of fact I think I'll go stay with her since we're splitting up."

He was utterly confused now as to where this side of Ginny was coming from. "Ginny, what's gotten into you?"

"I have a life too Harry Potter and its full of people you don't like and I wont give it up just like that."

"Ginny she's obviously left your brother to be with him!"

"I would have too," the young girl said smugly putting her hands on her hips. "Charlie doesn't know how to handle everyday things. He's better off with his animals. And his temper left her bruises so I completely agree with her decision."

Alexandria could see Harry was losing and he would soon give it up as his love for Ginny seemed more important. "Ginny, I'm sorry. We'll have Hermione over as soon as she can but not him Ginny. Not him."

"Ginny, don't worry about it. I don't mind Mr. Potter in the least but to Alexandria he must have respect," Severus said suddenly.

"But…"

"He's right Ginny. You know how much you love Harry and want to be with him. Don't worry about us. You have Hermione after all."

Ginny smiled a bit and turned to Harry who had already grabbed her hand and slid her ring on. "I'm sorry Moonberry," he said in defeat. Still he did not look at Snape and pulled Ginny away with him. Ginny waved bye to them and then walked off with her fiance patting him on the back as he shook his head.

"When did you and Miss Weasley become friends?"

Alexandria looked up at her husband, "You know… I'm not entirely sure but she is a funny girl."

"Why do you say that?"

"No reason."

Dear Friends and Family,

Are cordially invited to join a dinner in honor of Ginerva Molly Weasley and Harry James Potter's engagement. It will be held on the twentieth day of July at six o'clock in the afternoon. Dress is semi-casual. We hope to see you there.

Please RSVP by owls.

Any questions should be addressed to Hermione Granger.

"I'm not going," Severus said sitting on the couch in the living room as Remus and Alexandria tried to convince him otherwise.

"Severus, I already RSVP'd for us both. Ginny asked me to bring you."

"No! How many times do I have to tell you I'm not going?"

Remus frowned, "Severus, that would be rude. We're all going. Alexa, Tonks, Minerva will be there," Severus glared at him. "A lot of people that we know. I'm sure they all want to see you."

Tonks walked through the door in a light pink dress, "Is everything alright? What are we waiting for?"

Remus sighed, "For Severus to get up and get dressed."

"Well the drivers are getting impatient."

There were two coaches outside waiting for them. They were enchanted and could not be seen by muggles. The dinner was being held at Hermione's new home. It was a very large house and how she had afforded it no one knew except for Ginny. "Severus, I wont go if you don't." Alexandria said sitting on the couch disappointed. "Go ahead and go Remus."

Severus looked at the woman sitting before him in her light green dress. He sighed, the things he did for her… "Fine."

"Don't wear all black either!" Remus shouted after him as he climbed the stairs.

"Don't push it," Severus open the door to their room.

"It's rude!" All three of them yelled synchronized.

Severus walked back down in his black slacks and a white shirt with a black tie. He threw his cape over himself and looked up at all of them. Remus was nodding his head slightly, approving of his new look. "Nice."

Alexandria and Tonks also seemed to like the look, "Well are we going to stare at me all night or go?" he asked putting his hand out for Alexandria.

"No, no… we're going." Remus said taking Tonk's hand and leading her out the door.

Tonks and Remus waved and got into their carriage. Severus got into theirs after helping Alexandria in. "What's that look for?" he asked as she continued to eye him carefully.

"Nothing. Well actually, you look really good."

"No I don't. Its just a white shirt."

"Well then it looks really good on you." They laughed and then leaned back to enjoy the ride as he pulled her close to him so that she was resting on his chest.

Hermione had greeted them warmly upon entering as had everyone else at the party except for Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley had been exceptionally nice to them as if trying to make up for his wife's snubbing them. People were surprised and fascinated seeing Severus most of all. They hounded him with questions as if he were a celebrity. The biggest surprise of the evening though was yet to come.

"Alexa, Severus, you both made it!" Ginny shouted giving them each a hug.

"Yeah, told you I could get him to come," Alexandria smiled and looked up at him.

You conspired against me.

Just a little. You wont regret it I swear.

Severus smiled a little for Ginny and looked around. Harry was not there yet. A lot of the professors he had been close to at Hogwarts were though. That included Hagrid who sat in a large corner chair with Minerva. When Alexandria left him hesitantly, as Ginny and Hermione dragged her away, Severus took the opportunity to step out and get away from all the commotion. He sat on the front steps of the house not seeing a single coach in the distance. The stars filled the sky and the faint sound of people laughing could be heard. Severus examined the little rocks on the ground and then looked at his hand. Being here made him want to tell everyone that Alexandria was his wife. It would certainly have shocked the life out of people. A small chuckle let out as he thought of Mrs. Weasley fainting on Hermoine's living room floor.

"Something funny?"

Severus looked up to see Harry standing a few feet away from him, "Nothing you would find amusing I'm sure."

Harry looked around him with his hands in his pockets. It seemed as though he was fidgeting nervously. Severus wondered what it was the boy had to be nervous about. "Listen Snape…" he started.

"Shouldn't you be inside with your fiancée?" he asked hoping to avoid a confrontation that might end badly.

"No, I cant really face her if she's with Alexa and I told myself I'd take care of this first. So listen up. I wont ever get over Dumbledore's death… but you saved my life. For that, I want to say thanks. Also, I want to apologize for your treatment in prison. I was being foolish and selfish. I miss him… he was like…"

"Don't say it. His trust meant a lot to me and now that I've taken those memories and cast them away I'm moving on. I suffered too… as much as you don't believe it."

"Right. Anyway to a lighter note… I hope you enjoy the party and hopefully things work out better this time between you and Alexa." Harry finished turning his back and taking a few steps, "We're a lot alike you and I. I actually thought I might like the half-blood Prince once, he was great."

Snape frowned but smiled a half smile at the same time. "He still is," Alexandria said wrapping her arms around Snape as she sat beside him.

Harry turned shocked to see Alexa now with Snape and his fiancée and Hermione standing by the door in tears. Ginny let Hermione go first when it came to hugging him because as soon as she backed away Ginny would make sure to give him a big kiss.

"This is the best engagement present ever!" Ginny shouted as Harry picked her up and twirled her small body around.

Alexandria laughed and turned to her own husband. He smiled at her and motioned for her to walk inside with him to give Ginny and Harry time alone. "I love you Ginny Weasley!" Harry shouted as they were walking towards the doors. Hermione blushed as if she had seen something she wasn't supposed to have seen. Severus opened the doors for the two ladies and with one last look at Ginny and Harry, he laughed and walked inside.