Navigating the subterranean secrets beneath Hogwarts is one of the most intriguing aspects of Hogwarts Legacy. Among the various relationship missions, "In the Shadow of the Study" stands out as a pivotal quest involving Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt. Completing this quest grants players access to Salazar Slytherin's hidden Scriptorium and offers an opportunity to learn the Unforgivable Curse, Crucio.
Starting the Quest and Unlocking the Passage
To begin this mission, players must reach level 16 and complete the prerequisite quests, including "In the Shadow of the Bloodline" and "The High Keep". Head toward the entrance outside the Slytherin common room to meet up with Sebastian and Ominis. Once assembled in the corridor, you must quickly ignite three nearby braziers using Confringo or Incendio to reveal the hidden doorway.
After stepping through the newly opened passage, you will encounter a broken stone relief on the wall. Cast Reparo to restore the structure, which prompts a mysterious whisper heard only by Parselmouths. Speaking with Ominis allows him to use his native ability to speak Parseltongue, opening the ancient Serpent Door into the labyrinth below.
Solving the Slytherin Snake Dials
Advancing deeper into the dungeon requires solving a series of fast-paced environmental puzzles featuring snake dials. Each locked gate displays specific symbols that must be matched on corresponding snake statues found around the corridors. Players must align the top and bottom dials quickly, as failing to do so within fifteen seconds results in damage from a snake bite.
Careful observation of the symbols on the metal bars is essential for progressing without taking unnecessary damage. Navigating these narrow passageways eventually brings your group to a sinister chamber containing the remains of Ominis's aunt. This discovery sets up the narrative climax of the dungeon exploration.
Navigating the Cruciatus Door Choice
The final barrier before entering the Scriptorium is a mysterious door that requires the performance of the Cruciatus Curse to open. Players must converse with both Sebastian and Ominis to determine how to proceed through the magical obstacle. You are given three distinct options regarding whether to learn Crucio and who should suffer its effects.
You can choose to learn the spell and cast it on Sebastian, allow Sebastian to cast it on you, or refuse to learn the curse entirely while letting Sebastian perform it. Regardless of your decision, enduring or casting the curse unlocks the door, granting entry to Salazar Slytherin's private sanctuary.
Searching Slytherin's Scriptorium
Inside the Scriptorium, players will find a grand chamber filled with historical lore and valuable items. Located on the main desk in the center of the room is Slytherin's Spellbook, which must be collected and handed to Sebastian. Do not forget to search the area thoroughly for additional field guide pages and ancient notes left behind.
After handing over the spellbook, interact with the passageway behind the deformed statues to return safely to the Slytherin dungeons. A brief conversation with Ominis concludes the quest, leaving Sebastian with the powerful dark artifact.
