You’re wandering around a graveyard at night, looking at a map that basically looks like a child’s doodle, and wondering why on earth a bunch of floating candles won't show up. We’ve all been there. The Hogwarts Legacy Ghosts of Our Love quest is one of those early-game head-scratchers that feels much harder than it actually is, mostly because the game doesn't explicitly tell you that timing is everything. If you’re staring at a bridge near the Forbidden Forest and nothing is happening, you’re likely just a few hours off from the "ah-ha" moment.
Honestly, this quest is a fan favorite because it’s a direct nod to the romantic, slightly eerie atmosphere of the Wizarding World. But it’s also frustrating. The map you find is vague. It shows a bridge, a forest entrance, and some floating candles, but it doesn't give you a GPS marker. You have to actually use your eyes.
Depending on which house you were sorted into—Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff—how you start this quest changes. That’s a detail a lot of people miss. Gryffindors find the map during "The Hunt for the Missing Pages," while Hufflepuffs pick it up during their exclusive trip to Azkaban in "Prisoner of Love." Ravenclaws get it via "Ollivander’s Heirloom," and Slytherins find it during "Scrope’s Last Hope." Regardless of how you get the paper, the destination is exactly the same for everyone.
Why You Can't Find the Candles
The biggest mistake? Trying to do this during the day. It won't work. The candles simply do not exist when the sun is up.
If you are standing at the Forbidden Forest floo flame and it’s bright out, open your map and hit the "Wait" button (R3 on consoles). This fast-forwards time to night. Once the moon is out, head toward the stone bridge leading away from Hogwarts and toward the forest.
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Casting the Right Spell
You need Lumos. It sounds too simple, right? But the quest logic requires you to be standing at the very start of the bridge—the side furthest from the forest—and cast your light. If you do it correctly, three flickering candles will materialize out of thin air. They’ll start drifting away from you, beckoning you to follow them into the dark woods.
Don't run too fast. If you get too far ahead or lag too far behind, the pathing can get a bit wonky. Just follow the glow. They’ll lead you past a small picnic setup that looks suspiciously like a date gone wrong (or right, depending on how you feel about ghosts).
The Actual Location on the Map
Let’s be specific. You’re looking for the Forbidden Forest Floo Flame.
Once you warp there, turn around. You’ll see a stone bridge. This is the landmark from the drawing. Walk onto the bridge and cast Lumos. If the candles don't appear, check your inventory to make sure you actually have the "Map with Floating Candles" item. If you haven't officially started the quest by picking up that map in your house-specific mission, the candles won't trigger.
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The path the candles take is relatively safe. You might encounter a stray spider if you wander off the trail, but the candles generally keep you on a clear path. They’ll lead you up a small hill to a table with two chairs and a candlelit dinner.
Rewards and the "Love" Connection
Once you reach the destination, a chest appears. Inside, you’ll usually find a piece of gear—specifically the Seeker's Outfit appearance—and some gold.
Is it the most legendary loot in the game? Probably not. But the quest is more about the world-building. It ties back into the story of Richard Jackdaw and his lost love, Anne Thisbe. It’s a tragic little side story that adds flavor to the early hours of the game. Most players finish this around level 6 to 10.
Troubleshooting Common Glitches
Sometimes the candles just... break. It’s a known issue that has persisted through several patches. If you are at the bridge, it’s night, you’ve cast Lumos, and nothing is happening, try these steps:
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- Save and Reload: Manual saves are your friend. Save right at the bridge, close the game, and reload.
- Check the Time Again: Sometimes the game "looks" like night but is technically dawn. Use the "Wait" function again just to be sure.
- The Bridge Position: Don't stand in the middle of the bridge. Stand right at the very edge of the stone pillars where the bridge begins near the Forbidden Forest fast-travel point.
The Hogwarts Legacy Ghosts of Our Love quest is basically a lesson in patience and observation. It forces you to stop spamming Revelio for a second and actually look at the environmental clues.
Quick Checklist for Success
- Check your House: Ensure you've completed your specific house quest that grants the map.
- Wait for Night: Use the map screen to advance time.
- Find the Bridge: Use the Forbidden Forest Floo Flame as your anchor point.
- Cast Lumos: Stand at the bridge entrance and light your wand.
- Follow the Glow: Keep pace with the candles until they stop at the picnic table.
Once the chest is open, the quest clears from your log. You’re free to head back to the castle or keep exploring the forest—though at low levels, I’d probably suggest heading back toward Hogsmeade.
The most important thing to remember is that this quest is a one-and-done. You can't repeat it, and you can't find the candles again once the chest is opened. If you’re looking to 100% the game, this is an easy one to tick off the list early so you can focus on the much more grueling Merlin Trials later on.
Make sure you've equipped the Seeker's Outfit if you like the aesthetic; it's one of the cleaner-looking transmogs for the early game. Now that you've solved the mystery of the floating candles, you can get back to the main mystery of Ancient Magic and why everyone in the Highlands seems to have a problem that only a fifth-year student can solve.
Next Steps for Your Playthrough:
To keep your momentum going after finishing this quest, head toward Hogsmeade to sell any junk gear you picked up. You’ll need the inventory space. While you're there, check in with the various shopkeepers; often, completing these small "world" quests triggers new dialogue or minor side objectives. If you’re feeling bold, the Forbidden Forest area near where the candles led you has a few Moonstone deposits that are worth grabbing for your Room of Requirement later. Keep an eye out for the small, glowing blue rocks along the rock faces near the picnic spot.