Choice

The sunlight at St. Mungo's was almost blindingly bright. Lucretia remained seated in the armchair by the window, hugging her knees and gazing at the flourishing violets on the windowsill.

Madam Crouch had brought the flowers yesterday, saying they would at least make the ward feel less deserted.

Lucretia instinctively sat up straighter as Dumbledore and the Crouches entered the ward together.

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

Lucretia couldn't quite place it, but she felt as though he could see right through her.

Madam Crouch twisted her fingers at her side, appearing even more nervous than Lucretia.

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

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

Dumbledore waved his wand, conjuring a cushioned wicker chair and sitting beside the hospital bed. "It seems Madam Crouch has already mentioned it to you. See, this is Transfiguration."

Lucretia's eyes flickered, then she pursed her lips.

Dumbledore looked at the girl before him with affection. She was shyly hugging her knees, burying herself in the armchair. He steered the conversation to the pot of violets by the window.

"I remember having these flowers in my backyard. They bloomed wonderfully in the summer, but Madam Crouch has already enchanted them for you... Ah, I'm a bit too talkative, aren't I? How are you feeling now?"

Lucretia said softly, "Thank you for your concern. I'm much better, and everyone here is very kind to me."

"I heard you like gardens?" Dumbledore continued. "The gardens in Godric's Hollow are beautiful. There's a large rose garden, and many magical plants."

Madam Crouch quickly interjected, "Our garden is quite nice too, though it's been a bit neglected lately. What kind of flowers do you like? When you're feeling better, we can tend to it together."

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

"Ah, daylilies," Dumbledore said with a smile. "A very magical flower. They have strong magical properties, helping one forget sorrow."

They chatted about various magical plants, and Madam Crouch even spoke about her past experiences growing herbs in her garden.

Lucretia gradually relaxed, occasionally joining the conversation.

Dumbledore gently shifted the topic. "Speaking of which, what are your plans for the future? You know, a young witch always needs a stable environment to learn magic."

Lucretia lowered her head. "I... I haven't thought about it yet."

"My home is in Godric's Hollow. It's very quiet and suitable for studying. Plus, it's not far from Hogwarts, and there are many excellent teachers who can guide you."

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

Dumbledore continued, "Of course, the Crouch residence is also a very good option. It's entirely up to your own wishes."

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

He must be very powerful. With such a strong wizard as a guardian, her safety would surely be assured.

From all angles, this was indeed an excellent choice.

But if she chose this, that lady would be very disappointed, wouldn't she...

Lucretia looked up, cautiously observing Madam Crouch's expression, and met her eager gaze.

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

"We'll give you a real home," Mr. Crouch added after a pause. "Your own room, a warm dining table, and a brother."

If you like this book, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.

Due to popular demand from readers, we are now offering an ad-free VIP membership.

Click to view.

Lucretia saw tears welling up in Madam Crouch's eyes. That look of restrained anticipation reminded her of something.

Some memories from long ago...

A gentle embrace, a secure reliance.

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

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

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

But...

She looked at the pot of violets.

Madam Crouch made time every day to talk with her, read picture books with her, and adjust the position of the plants in the ward so they could get the best sunlight.

She remembered how the lady had chattered yesterday about her home garden, saying she would take Lucretia to help tend it when she was feeling better in the spring or summer.

"I..."

She spoke softly, feeling her voice tremble slightly.

"Can I go to the Crouches'?"

Madam Crouch gasped. The child had been looking at Dumbledore the whole time, she had thought...

She hurried forward, as if wanting to hug Lucretia, but restrained herself, merely gripping 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'll visit you often. Minerva also said she could make time to tutor you. What do you think?"

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

Looking at his wife's smiling face, Mr. Crouch cleared his throat. "Then, we'll go through the adoption procedures later. Before we go home, Lucretia, there are a few other things we need to discuss with you."

Dumbledore, sensing the moment, stood up. "I have some matters to attend to back at the Ministry. You two talk."

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

Dumbledore blinked. "Of course. Hogwarts is a seven-year program. You can absolutely consider it a new home. The professors and I will be very happy to welcome you. And, as I mentioned earlier, if you'd like, the Deputy Headmistress and I are willing to make time to come to your home and chat about more fun things at school."

After Dumbledore left, Mr. Crouch looked at his wife, who was also looking at him.

They didn't need to speak; they both understood what the other was thinking.

Madam Crouch, understanding, patted Lucretia's hand. "I'll go to Diagon Alley to buy you some well-fitting clothes. I'll be back shortly. Why don't you stay with... Father alone for a while, okay?"

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

Sunlight shone on Mr. Crouch's stern face, making him appear less unapproachable.

Crouch sat down on the chair by the sickbed, unsure how to begin.

He was accustomed to giving orders at the Ministry, but he didn't know how to have a heart-to-heart with a child.

It was different from how he treated his own son; he had to choose his words carefully when speaking to a girl who had experienced trauma.