You're wandering through the moonlit streets of Irondale, minding your own business, when a frantic Pádraic Haggarty starts rambling about a family heirloom. It's a classic setup. You’ve probably seen it a dozen times in A Thief in the Night Hogwarts Legacy questline, yet this specific side mission manages to trip up players more than almost any other early-game task. Why? Because it requires you to actually pay attention to the environment rather than just following a glowing gold line on your mini-map.
It's a nuisance.
Basically, someone—or something—is stealing everything that isn't nailed down in this tiny Hamlet. Haggarty is convinced it’s his sister. Or maybe a goblin. Spoilers: it’s neither. If you’ve spent any time in the Wizarding World, you know that if shiny objects are disappearing, there is a 99% chance a platypus-looking creature with a magical pouch is involved.
Starting the Hunt in Irondale
To even get this moving, you need to head to the Feldcroft region. It’s a bit of a trek if you haven't unlocked the Floo Flames yet. Once you arrive in Irondale, look for the vendor stall. Haggarty is standing there looking miserable. He’ll tell you his "thief" only strikes at night, which is your first big hint.
If it’s daytime when you arrive, don’t just stand there like a gargoyle. Open your map and hit the "Wait" button (R3 on PlayStation/RS on Xbox/F on PC). The game will cycle to night, and you'll see the quest marker shift. Now the fun starts. You aren't looking for a person. You are looking for a trail of literal breadcrumbs—except the breadcrumbs are gold coins.
Following the Money Trail
This is where people get stuck. Most players start casting Revelio like they’re trying to win an award for most spells cast in a minute. While Revelio helps highlight the coins, you actually need to look at the ground.
- The trail starts right near the vendor stall.
- Look for individual Galleons shining in the dirt.
- Follow them toward the cliffs.
The trail isn't a straight line. It winds. It doubles back. It leads you toward a massive bird-like nest area high up on the cliffs overlooking the valley. If you lose the trail, just stop. Take a breath. Cast Revelio again and look for the blue-ish highlight of the coin piles. You’ll eventually reach a Niffler Den.
Honestly, the Niffler is adorable, but it's a kleptomaniac. You'll find the stolen heirloom—a silk charm—sitting right on top of the dirt mound.
The Pouch and the Capture
Don't just grab the charm and leave. That’s a rookie mistake. You’re here for the "Thief," and that means using your Nab-Sack.
If you haven't finished the "The Elf, the Nab-Sack, and the Loom" quest with Deek, you can't actually complete the capture portion of this quest. You can find the item, sure, but you won't get the full satisfaction (or the beast) without that magical suitcase. The Niffler is fast. It’s slippery. Use Levioso or Arresto Momentum to keep the little guy still for two seconds while you trigger the Nab-Sack.
Returning the Heirloom (Or Not)
Once you have the Niffler and the charm, head back to Irondale. You have a choice here. Hogwarts Legacy doesn't have a complex morality system like Mass Effect, but it does let you be a bit of a jerk if you want to.
You can give the charm back for the standard reward. Or, you can demand a "finder’s fee." Haggarty will be annoyed, but he’ll pay up. You can even keep the charm, though it doesn't really serve a purpose in your inventory other than being a souvenir of your time as a magical private investigator.
Most people just hand it over. The real prize is the XP and the fact that you now have a Niffler for your Room of Requirement Vivarium. These little guys are essential for farming Niffler Fur, which you’ll need later for upgrading your gear at the Enchanted Loom.
Why This Quest Matters for Your Build
It seems like a fetch quest. It is a fetch quest. But A Thief in the Night Hogwarts Legacy is actually a gateway to mid-game power.
Upgrading your gear is the only way to survive the harder combat encounters on "Hard" difficulty. Niffler Fur is a primary ingredient for Level 1 and Level 2 traits. If you ignore this quest, you’re stuck buying fur from Brood and Peck in Hogsmeade for 250 Galleons a pop. That's a waste of money. Catching the thief gives you a lifetime supply of upgrade materials for the low price of five minutes of your time.
Common Bugs to Watch Out For
Sometimes the coins don't spawn. It's rare in 2026, but it still happens if the game state gets weird. If you reach the area and there are no coins, fast travel to Hogsmeade and back. That usually resets the cell and forces the gold to render. Also, make sure it is actually night. The quest tracker sometimes stays active during the "dusk" transition, but the coins won't glow properly until the sky is fully dark.
Actionable Next Steps
To wrap this up and get the most out of your playthrough, follow this specific sequence:
- Check your inventory: Ensure your Nab-Sack isn't full before heading to the den. Nothing is more annoying than having to release a Puffskein just to make room for a thief.
- Equip Control Spells: Set your spell diamond to include Levioso and Accio. You’ll need them to snag the Niffler before it vanishes into the brush.
- Farm the Den: Since you’re already at the Niffler Den for the quest, look around. There are usually 2-3 other Nifflers nearby. Catch them all. You can sell the extras at North Hogsmeade for 120 Galleons each, making this one of the most profitable early-game side missions.
- Visit the Loom: Immediately return to the Room of Requirement. Use the fur you collect from your new Niffler to add the "Protective" trait to your robes. This reduces damage from Goblins, which is incredibly helpful for the main story missions following this quest.
By following the gold trail accurately and securing the Niffler, you turn a simple neighborhood dispute into a permanent resource engine for your character's progression.