Just then, another knock came at the office door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and an elderly man entered, dressed in plain gray robes, with a lean face and exceptionally bright eyes.
He held a wand made of olive wood, its tip set with a piece of unpolished amber.
"Ah, Master Antonio."
Minister Alberti immediately rose at the sight of the visitor, a sincere smile spreading across his face.
"What brings you here in person?"
Minister Alberti introduced him:
"Professor Holmes, Mr. Lupin, this is Master Antonio Vivaldi. He is a renowned expert in Potions and Herbology, not only in Italy but throughout the wizarding world, and one of the original advocates of the Mountain Pact."
He paused, then added,
"The master enjoys tremendous respect among many werewolf tribes and Muggle herders in the Apennine Mountains.
"As it happens, Professor Sprout wrote to him a little while ago and mentioned that you might be coming to Rome, Mr. Holmes. He asked me about you."
Master Antonio nodded slightly, his gaze passing over Douglas and Lupin before settling on Douglas, a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes.
"So you're the outstanding young man Pomona mentioned in her letter. I thought it would be some time before we met, but I hadn't expected you to reach Rome so soon, Mr. Holmes.
"Since Pomona holds you in such high regard, and you happen to be heading to the Apennine Mountains, I naturally ought to offer what little help I can."
Douglas's eyebrows rose slightly, a trace of surprise crossing his eyes.
He had not expected to meet such a legendary figure here.
Still less had he expected his old Head of House to write privately to this man on his behalf, asking him to look after him. Warmth immediately filled his heart.
"That