✓ | CHECKMATE, lorcan scamander

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

As Ophelia walked along the small humble apartment, she and Lorcan had recently moved into—she was sure with the amount of pacing she'd literally make a hole in the floor.

She was in a panic and while it may not appear as so, it was mainly all internal. In fact, she knew if they were not in an apartment—she'd scream.

It's only been a couple of years since they had graduated from Hogwarts and while their careers were still in the works, it only raised the panic each second.

She was unprepared for this—both of them were and while she and Lorcan have spoken about plans for the future, there was only a small bit within that was keeping her sanity in check.

The pair had yet discussed marriage and now she was dealing with a step that was meant for after it. At least for their plans, they had carved out together.

When Lorcan returned home from his day of studies—he found Ophelia where she has been pacing for hours now. Though that was only known to her, even he knew that with the way she was moving back and forth it was definitely something she's been doing a while now.

"What is wrong, Love?" Lorcan asked carefully as he slowly discarded his jumper and footwear.

Ophelia who had not been aware of his return stopped mid-step and while she tried to hide her panicking, she turned to him with a forced smile that did not reach her eyes.

"Welcome back" She started as she slowly walked over to him as she twiddled her thumbs. She tried her best to keep smiling, but she had not kept it too long, because she could never hide anything from him.

"I am so sorry" Ophelia's voice cracked as she dropped her hands and shoulder sagged," I...I—"

Lorcan had found himself worried at her words, trying not to think that maybe she was dumping him or that she did something unforgivable—though the second thought did not last for long because that was how much he trusted her.

"What—"

Ophelia lowered her head as she closed her eyes," I'm pregnant" The words blurted out as Lorcan blinked at her words.

It did not process until a few seconds later and when it did—The male was entirely relieved it was none of the thoughts he had.

He was surprised at the news, but not in a way of making it overwhelm him with the same panic she had.

In fact, he was far from it, but he knew that Ophelia needed all the words she could to destress—especially with her current state.

"It's mine, right?" Lorcan lightly joked but immediately wanted to slap himself for it. The thing was that it was a lot similar to when he asked her to move in. He stumbled and ended up making a foolish remark—even if it made her laugh, he still found himself embarrassed at the way he approached the suggestion.

However, Ophelia had reacted the same exact way she did when he mortified himself a year ago.

She laughed with tears following after—it was really the same scene and while it was no the same in general to the event—the reaction was exactly the same.

"I would hope so," Ophelia said between her laughs and as she slowly stopped, she kept her eyes on his," I—

"Then this is great news" Lorcan cut her off as he gently wrapped his arms around her waist," Well, it's definitely not according to plan, but I think we'll be fine, don't you think?"

"Why do you always know what to say?" She mumbled as she leaned on his chest.

"I just want to make sure that you know no matter what happens, I am always here. Sure, it's going to be a slight challenge, but I will never love you any less. I mean, I do have to admit that having a little one around sounds amazingly fun to think about"

"What would your parents think? Especially since we're not even married yet?"

Lorcan chuckled and lifted her chin to face him," I can guarantee that they'd be overjoyed with the news. Marriage or not, Mum and Dad would spoil them rotten the moment they are born"

Ophelia sighed as she felt him kiss her forehead and place a hand on her stomach. She was scared, he was scared, but they both knew they could do it together.

"We'll do just fine"