A/N: Hey, guys! I'm so sorry for the long wait but here is the next chapter!

Chapter 4

Minerva had retired to her rooms after dinner, thanking God that both Severus and Rolanda had not been there and turning down offers from her colleagues to have a drink or two with them before they all went to bed. She really did need a drink but preferred to have it alone in her chambers. She did not feel like having a company tonight; she had too many things to think about. Her friends would certainly notice her absent mind and ask her if there was something wrong. Of course, there was something wrong! She had just realized she had feelings for a man that she worked with. Moreover, he seemed to be sharing those feelings as well.

However, he was involved with one of her friends and she was not about to hurt her friend. Minerva was not exactly sure if she wanted to have any kind of relationship with him beside work related. She had been hurt many times and didn't want to take chances again. As far as she knew, Severus hadn't made his choice yet. If he indeed chose her, which she doubted, she would first make sure that it was okay with Rolanda and then perhaps she and Severus could pursue a relationship with each other. But then again she highly doubted Rolanda would be okay with it.

She poured herself a glass of red wine, took a sip, and lied on the couch in her small living room, closing her eyes for a second. She would not think about it now. Whatever happened she would make sure she still had Rolanda's friendship.

***

Rolanda practically ran through the corridors towards of the castle. She had checked Minerva's office but hadn't found her friend there and went in direction of her chambers. She was furious. How dare Minerva do something like that? She was supposed to be her friend. She had to admit she was going to break up with Severus but now that he broke up with her for another woman, she couldn't let it go. Nobody dumped her for another woman. The fact that it was one of her friends angered her even more. She had always suspected that there was something between them but had chosen to ignore it because she found herself attracted to Severus and whatever Rolanda set her mind on she got. She wanted Severus and she got him.

However, it was well known that Rolanda didn't stay long with someone. She was adventurous. She didn't have plans to get married or being in a serious relationship. She hardly felt anything for her partners other than physical attraction. Severus wasn't an exception. Moreover, she doubter Severus felt something different for her, too. Still being dumped for another woman? No, she couldn't swallow that, she wouldn't.

She got to Minerva's chambers and raised her hand to knock on the door.

***

Severus paced through his office not knowing what to do next. Rolanda had left his office just a few minutes ago and he couldn't get his thoughts of her doing something stupid out of his mind. Do not flatter yourself, Severus, you are not that good in bed, he thought to himself. Maybe but he knew Rolanda. Once she thought she was right about something there was no way convincing her otherwise. He was sure he had made it seem like Minerva was the one who had made him break up with her and he had a feeling Rolanda had understood it the same way. Sure, Minerva was the reason but she hadn't told him what to say. Besides he was sure Rolanda had no feelings for him. Maybe she felt attracted to him because she wouldn't have started something in the first place but other than that, he was sure there was nothing else.

Why did he have to mention Minerva's name? Maybe he could go and check on her just to be sure. Maybe they could talk about where they would go from here. Yes, that is what he should do.

Severus walked out of his office and headed towards Minerva's chambers, not knowing what awaited him there.

TBC…