I meet with Fig as soon as he returns from the Ministry. He wants to go right away to see the room I discovered under Hogwarts.
In the empty Map Chamber, Fig places the book on the pedestal. The entire floor becomes a glowing map of the surrounding countryside and landmarks. For a moment Fig is sad that Miriam isn’t here to see it.
After introductions between Fig and Rackham in his portrait, Rackham explains that the map will highlight four areas indicating four trials I must pass. The Keepers want to make sure that their knowledge doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. This will take time, Rackham says, but Fig respectfully interrupts. Ranrok wields a powerful dark magic. Rackham becomes alarmed when he learns Ranrok was in his Gringotts’ vault. The first trial will proceed immediately. Fig recognizes the spot on the map; we’ll meet there. He can help me find the location, but he can’t follow me into the trial.
(Up until now I’ve only been pursuing main mission quests and avoiding side quests. The game won’t let me proceed until I gain another level! I wondered if I’d come up against a hard check of some kind.)
At the tower location, Fig and I fight goblins before we can enter. Rackham in his portrait has heard the commotion and is worried that goblins have discovered this place. He urges me to enter the trial while Fig disapparates away. I’m on my own.
It’s time to solve some light puzzles and fight stone knights, including a gargantuan boss version. At the end of the trial a massive statue of Rackham leans over a pensieve.
A tear drops from his granite eye and falls into the basin. I view the memory.
On a remote coastline, Rackham watches Student Isidora wield the ancient magic to build pillars and shape the landscape. She’s upset, though. Her father, since her brother’s death, doesn’t seem to get better. His sadness overwhelms him. She wishes she could use her magic to take away his pain. Gently, Rackham tells her that her father’s pain is not hers to take. Human emotion is as complex as magic. Isidora isn’t satisfied with this answer.
Later, Rackham and Charles Rookwood welcome Hogwarts’ new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, a grown Isidora. They’re delighted to see her. She invites them to her home.
The memory ends and I return to the Map Chamber.
Charles Rookwood steps into his portrait.
When Rackham brings him up to speed about the goblins, Charles agrees that the next trial should pause until they know more.
I ask Fig, who’s been waiting here, if we should mention Victor Rookwood to Charles. We don’t think we know enough yet.
And then a cut scene takes over. Hogwarts and its grounds are now autumnal. The season has moved on, and I’m again underleveled for the next task. Time for a side quest or two.