Choice

The sunlight at St. Mungo's was so bright it was almost dazzling. Lucretia still sat curled up in the armchair by the window, gazing at the violets blooming luxuriantly on the sill.

Madam Crouch had brought the flowers yesterday. She had said they would at least make the ward feel less desolate.

When Dumbledore entered the ward together with the Crouches, Lucretia instinctively straightened up.

There was a strange light in the old man's blue eyes.

Lucretia could not say what it was, but she felt as though he could see right through her.

Madam Crouch twisted her fingers at the side, looking even more nervous than Lucretia herself.

"Hello, Lucretia. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts."

Lucretia shrank back into the armchair. "Hogwarts? That... school?"

Dumbledore flicked his wand and conjured a cushioned wicker chair beside the bed before sitting down. "It seems Madam Crouch has already mentioned it to you. Look, this is Transfiguration."

Lucretia's eyes lit up for a moment, then her lips pressed together again.

Dumbledore looked kindly at the girl before him, who was stiffly hugging her knees and burying herself in the armchair, then shifted the topic to the pot of violets by the window.

"I remember having this sort of flower in my backyard as well. It bloomed especially beautifully in summer. Though Madam Crouch has already used magic on yours... Ah, this old man has been talking too much. How are you feeling now?"

"Thank you for your concern," Lucretia said softly. "I am much better now. Everyone here has been very kind to me."

"I heard you like gardens?" Dumbledore continued. "The gardens in Godric's Hollow are quite beautiful. There is a vast bed of roses there, as well as many magical plants."

Madam Crouch hurriedly added, "Our garden is quite nice too, though it has been somewhat neglected lately. I wonder what flowers you like to grow? Once you are better, we can tend it together."

Lucretia gave Madam Crouch a faint smile. "I... I really like daylilies."

"Ah, daylilies." Dumbledore smiled. "A very magical flower. They possess strong magical properties and can make people forget their sorrows."

They spoke of all manner of magical plants, and Madam Crouch also talked about how she had once grown medicinal herbs in the garden.

Lucretia gradually relaxed, occasionally adding a few words herself.

Dumbledore gently shifted the subject. "Speaking of which, have you made any plans for the future? A young witch always needs a stable environment in which to learn magic."

Lucretia lowered her head. "I... I have not thought about it."

"My home is in Godric's Hollow. It is quiet there and well suited for studying. It is also close to Hogwarts, and there are many excellent teachers who can guide you."

Madam Crouch nervously glanced at her husband, but Mr. Crouch signaled for her to remain calm.

Dumbledore continued, "Of course, the Crouch family would also be a very good choice. It depends entirely on what you want."

Lucretia looked at the gentle old man before her. This was the headmaster Madam Crouch had mentioned...

Then he must be very powerful. If she had such a powerful wizard as her guardian, her safety would surely be guaranteed.

From every angle, it truly was an excellent choice.

But if she chose this, that lady would probably be very disappointed...

Lucretia raised her head and cautiously studied Madam Crouch's expression, only to meet her eager gaze.

Madam Crouch's voice trembled slightly. "Or you could come to our home. I know it may not be as good as Headmaster Dumbledore's, but..."

"We will give you a real home." Mr. Crouch paused, then added, "Your own room, a warm dining table, and an older brother."

When Lucretia saw the tears glistening in Madam Crouch's eyes, that restrained yet expectant gaze reminded her of something.

Memories from a long time ago...

A gentle embrace, a comforting presence to lean on.

Dumbledore stroked Lucretia's head. "Of course, it is entirely your choice. Whatever decision you make, we will support you."

Reason told her that following Dumbledore was the most advantageous choice.

She needed strength, knowledge of this era, and protection.

But...

She looked at the pot of violets.

Every day, Madam Crouch made time to talk with her, look through picture books with her, and adjust the green plants in the ward so they could receive the best sunlight.

Lucretia remembered how yesterday Madam Crouch had chatted on and on about the garden at home, saying that once Lucretia was feeling better in spring or summer, she would take her there to tend it together.

"I..."

She spoke softly, feeling her voice tremble.

"Can I go to the Crouch family?"

Madam Crouch sucked in a breath. The child had kept looking at Dumbledore just now, so she had thought...

She hurried forward, seeming as though she wanted to embrace Lucretia, but restrained herself and merely took her hand gently.

Dumbledore smiled and nodded. "I knew you would make this choice. Sometimes, a home is more important than a castle."

"However," he added, "I will visit you often. Minerva also said she could make time to teach you. What do you think?"

Lucretia looked at Madam Crouch's hand holding hers and bit her lip. "Thank you, sir."

Seeing his wife's smiling face, Mr. Crouch cleared his throat. "Then we will go through the adoption procedures later. Before we return home, Lucretia, there are some other matters we need to discuss with you."

Dumbledore tactfully rose to his feet. "I have some matters to hurry back and deal with. You may talk."

As Lucretia watched Dumbledore prepare to leave the room, she instinctively called out to him. "Headmaster... sir, will I be attending your school in the future too?"

Dumbledore blinked. "Of course. Hogwarts has a seven-year curriculum, and you may regard it as a new home. The professors and I will all be delighted to welcome you. Besides, as I mentioned earlier, if you are willing, the deputy headmistress and I would be happy to make time to visit your home and tell you more interesting things about the school."

After Dumbledore left, Mr. Crouch looked at his wife, and she was looking at him as well.

They did not need words. Each understood what the other was thinking.

Understanding, Madam Crouch patted Lucretia's hand and said, "I will go to Diagon Alley to buy you some clothes that fit. I will be back soon. You can spend some time alone with... Father first, all right?"

Lucretia nodded. Now only Mr. Crouch remained in the ward.

Sunlight fell across Mr. Crouch's stern face, making him appear less unapproachable.

Mr. Crouch sat in the chair beside the bed, unsure for a moment how to begin.

He was used to giving orders at the Ministry of Magic, yet he did not know how to have a heart-to-heart talk with a child.

This was different from dealing with his own son. With a girl who had suffered trauma, he needed to choose his words carefully.