This discovery didn't make Tver back down. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a broad grin. It was the first time he had smiled so brightly since coming to Hogwarts. He had uncovered the secret of the Forbidden Forest—an Undetectable Extension Charm.
Someone had cast an extraordinary Undetectable Extension Charm on the Forbidden Forest itself. Normally, this spell was only used in relatively enclosed spaces, since only such places could be expanded. Yet the one who cast it had somehow forced this vast forest to stretch far beyond its natural limits. That was why, though it looked like an ordinary forest to the naked eye, it felt so deep and boundless.
The magnitude of that power only deepened Tver's curiosity. He took out his badge, sensing the will guiding it, which also helped him adjust his direction.
The path ahead was strange—patches of dense growth and barren sand existed side by side. In one spot, the ground was as dry as a desert, while right next to it, vibrant flowers and grass flourished. It was as if the Creator had been experimenting with creation, scattering seeds here and there, then wiping away what displeased them.
Compared to the area he had just passed through, this place was livelier and more peaceful. Small animals occasionally darted between the trees, and a rabbit stared blankly at Tver as if it had never seen a human before. The air was filled with the songs of birds and the hum of insects, creating a tranquil harmony that made Tver relax completely.
Suddenly, an arrow shot toward him, striking the ground just ahead. The feathers at its tail still trembled, proof of the force behind it. Canceling the Shield Charm in his hands, Tver turned toward the sound of chaotic footsteps approaching.
Before long, two figures emerged—half human, half horse. Their upper bodies were bare, each with a quiver slung across the back and a bow in hand. Centaurs. It seemed the rumors of their migration into the Forbidden Forest were true.
The one on the left had black fur and a thick beard, his appearance fierce and proud—his temper likely the same. He glared furiously at Tver. The one on the right was far more striking—handsome, with unusually blue eyes and shining platinum hair. Even his lower half, silver-bodied with a silver tail, radiated an uncommon beauty. Standing side by side, their contrast was striking.
Tver was the first to speak.
"Who are you, and why did you attack me?"
The handsome centaur stepped forward.
"Human wizard, this is centaur territory. Leave immediately."
The darker one snapped impatiently, "Leave now, or my arrows won't—"
Tver frowned at him, cutting him off.
"I don't know what you call centaur territory. I only know this is part of Hogwarts. As a professor, I have the right to walk within the Forbidden Forest."
From that arrow alone, he could tell the centaurs were far from weak. The shot carried traces of magic—these two might even be stronger than many adult wizards.
The handsome centaur glanced at his companion in surprise, realizing this professor was not to be underestimated.
"Very well, Professor. My name is Firenze, and this is Bane. We meant no offense, but the centaurs and Hogwarts have an agreement. Without permission, wizards may not enter our settlement."
Firenze spoke politely but firmly to Tver.
"I'm Tver Fawley, just passing through. I've no interest in where you Centaur live."
Tver didn't want conflict with the Centaurs either—it simply didn't fit his current persona.
"No," Bane suddenly declared, "I've seen too many of you wizards pretending to pass through while secretly spying on us!"
Seen too many? Besides wizards with nowhere else to go, who would actually want to live in the Forbidden Forest?
"I'm curious—how many wizards have you seen?"
Bane stammered, his face flushing beneath his beard.
So it was just bluffing, Tver thought with amusement.
"Since you know of Hogwarts, you surely wouldn't want conflict with us. Besides, I truly am just passing through."
Bane was speechless, but Firenze stepped forward first, approaching Tver slowly.
"Professor Fawley, I need to know your purpose for entering the Forbidden Forest. To my knowledge, aside from Professor Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn, no other professors would enter the Forbidden Forest casually—especially deep into its interior!"
He maintained a gentle, friendly demeanor, but his gaze sharpened.
Yet Tver suddenly realized something. The centaurs lived in the Forbidden Forest—perhaps they had long sensed its unusual state? Thus, he decided to probe their stance.
"I entered out of curiosity. I wanted to investigate who possessed such profound magical power to cast such intricate spells upon the Forbidden Forest."
As expected, Bane's expression abruptly shifted. Shock, fear, anger—a whirlwind of complex emotions flashed across his face.
Firenze, who had been smiling moments before, now frowned deeply.
"Professor, since you can discern the Forbidden Forest's profound magic, why not simply leave? It would be best not to provoke that one."
"That one?"
A faint, eerie light flickered in Tver's eyes, but his Legilimens failed.
Firenze flew into a rage, his hand already on his bowstring, poised to attack Tver.
Behind him, Bane witnessed the scene. Shocked, yet his hands never paused, completing his attack preparations in an instant.
Huh?
Unexpectedly tripped up by centaurs, Tver waved his wand in resignation.
"Imperio!"
Both centaurs froze in place, their eyes blank and vacant.
He knew that after wizards mastered Occlumency, it became difficult to cast Legilimens upon them. It was like a spear against a shield, except the battlefield was on the defensive side. Thus, Occlumency of the same level was superior to Legilimens.
But for someone of Tver's caliber to be blocked by two centaurs? Honestly, it was quite unexpected.
"Have you trained in Occlumency?" Tver asked bluntly.
The two under the Imperius Curse were somewhat dazed, yet they shook their heads in unison.
"We don't even know what Occlumency is. How could we have trained in it?"
"?"
Tver felt his mind was racing. Could even centaurs who'd never heard of Occlumency now resist his Legilimens?
"Then who was that person you mentioned earlier?"
Firenze's expression twisted, as if struggling against the Imperius Curse's grip, yet his mouth opened involuntarily:
"Hel—Helga Hufflepuff!"