Severus Snape was about to learn a certain truism about the Forbidden Forest:

Walk in it long enough, and you will find yourself at the business end of an angry centaur's arrow.

As of this particular moment, however, he was just waking up, and stretching. He stepped behind a bush to relieve himself (though the propriety would be noticed by none save himself, he was certain).

And just as certainly wrong, as the coldly furious voice of a centaur disturbed his morning ritual. "What are you doing in our woods, human?"

"I search for two lost cubs," Snape said, "Have you perhaps come upon them? I would be grateful for any news, and certainly have no wish to trespass."

"You trespass just the same." the chestnut centaur said, entering visual range as he gave a stamp with his forefoot, his arrow trained on Snape's throat. They were skilled archers, those centaurs.

"My charges know not the codes, and would trespass even up to your sleeping spaces." Snape said, "I wish only to save you the trouble of protecting your cubs, by protecting mine."

"You LIE!" the centaur screamed, and Snape heard birds taking flight, startled by the scream.

"I do. I have many reasons for wanting to recover these two lost children. I hope you can forgive me for tailoring the truth towards your eyes." Snape said softly.

"Reasonable creatures use truth to communicate. Lies are time-wasting and stupidity." The centaur came closer. "Others have spoken better of you than that. What has changed?"

"War rides the wind." Snape says softly, "I must step softly, or bring the Wild Hunt to your door."

"If all the Hunt seeks is human children, they are welcome to them." The centaur says.

Snape bowed, seeming contrite, "The warriors who might seek behind me may bring fire."

The centaur stomped, then reared in place. "Then it may be better for us, if you find those you seek."

Snape merely nodded, keeping the centaur in view.

"Those whom you seek were a party of five lost souls when they passed through our woods." The centaur said gruffly. "Two equines of that party have returned, and are now, at last, home."

Snape nodded, his mind whirling, "Did you see which way the other three exited?"

"East, towards the moor and the sea," the centaur said, "Though we looked not past our borders, as is mete and right."

Snape nodded firmly, meeting the centaur's gaze. "I am in your debt. You may call on me nine times, and I shall offer any aid that is needed."

"You offer boons unasked for, piebald human." The centaur eyed Snape doubtfully. "Perhaps we shall indeed call upon your aid."

Snape bowed, and finished his business. By the time he was done, the centaur had gone.

East, Snape thought, and a party of three. At least the boys outnumbered whomever they were travelling with.

East. He'd start there as soon as he reached it, though he knew that was moorish country, and thus... well, you could make it a fair distance in a day, apparating to what you could see. He'd need the time, as they were ... nearly gone. Not to any Wizarding home at all, but out into the wilds.

It was a perplexing choice, but that undoubtedly had to do with whichever adult they were with.

Captured? Seduced? Twisted?

Snape didn't know, but wanted to find out as soon as possible.

[a/n: Snape is on the prowl.]