So, you’ve reached the point in Hogwarts Legacy where things start getting messy. Real messy. In the Shadow of Time Hogwarts isn’t just another side quest you can breeze through between Potions classes; it’s the definitive turning point for Sebastian Sallow’s storyline and, honestly, your own moral compass as a player. If you’re looking for a way to save Anne or just want to see how far the Dark Arts can actually go, this is the mission where the training wheels come off.
It’s dark. It’s damp. It’s full of spiders that I personally find way too aggressive. But more importantly, it’s the moment the game asks you if you’re okay with using an Unforgivable Curse. Specifically, Imperio.
Entering the Feldcroft Catacomb
The quest kicks off when you meet Sebastian near the Feldcroft Catacomb. He’s obsessed. He’s convinced that an ancient relic hidden inside this tomb is the key to reversing the curse on his sister, Anne. You can see the desperation in his dialogue. It’s not just about magic anymore; it’s about family, and that makes him dangerous.
Once you step inside, the atmosphere shifts. The developers at Avalanche Software did a solid job making the catacombs feel heavy. You’re not just fighting spiders here—though there are plenty of Thornback Ambusher and Shooters to keep your fingers twitching on the dodge button—you’re navigating a graveyard of bones and bad decisions.
One thing people often miss: check the side rooms. There are lore notes scattered around that hint at the students who came here before you. It adds a layer of "we probably shouldn't be doing this" that the main quest line doesn't always spell out.
Solving the Bone Barricade Puzzles
You’ll hit a wall. Literally. A wall of bones.
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To get through the barricades in the In the Shadow of Time Hogwarts quest, you need to use Wingardium Leviosa (or just Accio if you’re lazy) to pull skeletal remains onto the specific totems.
- Look up. Often, the skeletons are hanging in cages or tucked onto high ledges.
- The Totems. They look like small, ornate pillars.
- Stacking. You usually need three sets of bones to form the bridge or door.
It’s a bit macabre. Actually, it’s very macabre. Walking over a bridge made of human remains while Sebastian chats about "doing what's necessary" is peak Dark Wizard energy. If you’re struggling with the physics, try standing directly in front of the totem before releasing the cast. Sometimes the collision detection gets a little wonky if you’re trying to throw the bones from an angle.
The Choice: To Learn Imperio or Not?
This is the big one. The moment.
Ominis Gaunt shows up, and he is not happy. He’s the voice of reason you’ve probably been ignoring for the last ten hours of gameplay. He represents the trauma of the Gaunt family—a lineage defined by the very curses Sebastian is trying to "study."
When Sebastian offers to teach you the Imperio Curse, you have a binary choice.
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- "Yes, I want to learn the Imperium Curse."
- "I do not want to learn the Imperium Curse."
Let’s be real: if you’re playing a completionist run, you’re probably picking option one. Imperio is incredibly useful in combat. It turns an enemy into an ally for a brief window, and while they’re under your control, they take significantly more damage from your other spells. It’s great for crowd control when you’re facing three Trolls at once in a Battle Arena.
But if you’re roleplaying a "Good" wizard? This is where you draw the line. Saying no doesn't lock you out of the quest, but it does change the flavor of the conversation. Interestingly, even if you say no now, you can actually go back to the Undercroft later in the game and ask Sebastian to teach it to you then—assuming you haven't made certain other choices regarding his fate later in the story.
Combat Strategies for the Catacomb Depths
The spiders in here aren't just fodder. They hit hard.
Because you’re in tight corridors, Incendio is your best friend. The AOE (Area of Effect) is massive if you’ve upgraded it with Talent Points. However, Confringo is safer for the larger rooms where you want to keep your distance.
I’ve found that the best combo for the catacomb is:
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- Transformation: Turn one spider into a barrel.
- Confringo: Explode that barrel into the others.
- Imperio: (If you learned it) Cast it on the biggest spider in the room and let it do the tanking for you.
Watch out for the floor. The venom puddles left behind by the Matriarchs linger longer than you’d think. It’s easy to get cornered while you’re focusing on the bone puzzles. Keep your camera moving.
Why In the Shadow of Time Hogwarts Hits Different
There’s a shift in the narrative here. Up until this point, Sebastian’s quest for a cure seems almost noble. But inside these walls, you start to see the cost.
The relic itself? It’s not just some shiny bauble. It’s an artifact steeped in Dark Magic. When Ominis confronts you at the exit, the tension is palpable. You’re basically gaslighting Ominis at this point to get Sebastian out of trouble. It’s one of the few times in Hogwarts Legacy where the player character feels like they might actually be the "bad influence" in the room.
The quest ends back in Feldcroft, and without spoiling the immediate fallout, let’s just say the town isn't exactly throwing you a parade. The rift between the Sallow twins and Ominis becomes a canyon.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
If you’re about to start this quest, or if you’re stuck in the middle of it, here is exactly what you should do to maximize the rewards and minimize the headache:
- Stock up on Wiggenweld Potion. Seriously. The spider waves at the end are relentless, and the boss-level spiders can two-shot you on Hard difficulty.
- Equip Gear with "Unforgivable" Traits. If you’ve been using the Loom in the Room of Requirement, equip gear that boosts damage against cursed targets. Since you’ll likely be using Imperio or Crucio, this significantly speeds up the fights.
- Check your Talents. Ensure you have the "Basic Cast Impacts Cursed Targets" talent. It creates a massive damage loop that makes the final encounter in the tomb much easier.
- The Decision. Decide now if you want the Dark Arts. If you want the Platinum trophy or all achievements, learning the curses is the most straightforward path, but it isn't strictly required for the "main" ending of the game.
- Search the Alcovy. Before leaving the final chamber with the relic, look behind the main altar. There’s a chest that often drops high-tier legendary gear tailored to your current level.
The path through the In the Shadow of Time Hogwarts quest is essentially a point of no return for your character's reputation with Ominis. Make sure you’re ready for the moral weight—and the spiders. Lots of spiders.