-Doctor?- Darius raised his voice slightly. -Doctor Herpetes?- He called out a little louder, approaching the desk at the same time.
-Who's there?- The hoarse voice coming from behind the shelves was reminiscent of a choir of the dead. Draco was sure that his face had turned deathly pale. He was not a fearful man, but... That ‘but’ was all around him.
-Darius Bleist, Doctor.- The Master seemed to breathe a little easier.- You have agreed to examine my student before admitting him to Solvein.
-Blaaaaaist.- Draco grimaced at the sound of what almost seemed like the wailing of the damned. -Blaiiiiist... Bleissssst...- The doctor repeated the name over and over, intoning it differently each time. There was not a shred of respect in his voice.
-Darius... Son of Varis Bleist.- The master clarified.
-Varisss... Ah! The son of Varis Bleist!- Something heavy fell to the ground with a bang, and Draco jumped up, almost drawing his sword.- Darius, yes, Darius.- The doctor muttered.- The normal one...
Heavy footsteps revealed that the man was approaching, and he quickly emerged from behind the shelves. The doctor was stripped from the waist up and drenched in sweat, as if he had just been exercising. He was tall for a man and, despite his advanced age, very muscular. The olive skin on his face, bare chest and arms was marked with countless scars. He had chestnut hair, slightly sprinkled with grey, reaching his neck, a once handsome face and dull, hazel eyes. Under the huge number of old scars, it was impossible to tell what his facial expression was. However, the scar covering his entire larynx revealed why the doctor's voice sounded so unusual. Draco had the impression that something must have almost torn the man's head off in the past, and some miracle worker had magically restored the torn parts.
Herpetes frowned as he looked at Darius. After a moment, he took a deep breath.
-Darius.- He whispered, as if to make sure. -Good to see you, Darius.- The doctor nodded slightly. -You rarely visit me.- The man complained, looking around for
