Hogwarts Legacy offers players a vast open world filled with magical mysteries, dangerous beasts, and engaging side quests that flesh out the highlands. One particularly memorable side mission is A Thief in the Night, which tasks players with investigating a series of mysterious midnight robberies in a small wizarding hamlet. Completing this quest requires a mix of keen observation, tracking skills, and the proper utility spells to uncover the unusual culprit behind the crimes.
Starting the Investigation in Irondale
To begin this quest, you must travel to the beautiful hamlet of Irondale, which is nestled within the scenic Feldcroft Region. Look for a vendor named Padraic Haggarty, who stands behind his shop counter looking visibly frustrated about his missing family heirloom. Speaking with him reveals that an enigmatic burglar has been stealing his precious valuables strictly under the cover of darkness.
Before you embark on the hunt, ensure you advance the time of day to nightfall, as the clues will not appear clearly during daytime hours. You will need to utilize the Revelio charm extensively around the perimeter of the hamlet to pick up the trail of the mysterious thief. Striking gold coins scattered on the ground will mark the direction the thief took when fleeing the scene.
Following the Golden Coin Trail
The trail of coins will lead you away from the safety of Irondale and out into the rugged wilderness of the surrounding countryside. You must keep your eyes fixed on the glowing highlights on the ground, following the path as it twists through rocky canyons and small goblin camps. Staying alert during this phase is crucial, as wild beasts and dark wizards frequently patrol these outer territories at night.
As you progress further along the path, the drops of gold will become more frequent, indicating that the creature was likely carrying too much treasure to hold tightly. Eventually, the glittering footsteps will guide you toward a secluded cavern entry tucked away beneath a steep cliffside. This hidden location serves as the main hideout where all the stolen goods have been systematically stored.
Capturing the Unconventional Burglar
Upon entering the designated den, you will discover that the notorious thief is actually an adorable Niffler with a severe obsession for shiny objects. These magical creatures are famous in the wizarding world for burrowing deep underground to amass vast collections of gold and jewelry. To safely secure the animal and return the stolen heirloom, you must prepare your Nab-Sack utility item.
Cast a slowing spell like Arresto Momentum or Levioso to briefly immobilize the swift creature before launching your capture device. Once the Niffler is securely inside your inventory, climb to the top of the nearby dirt mounds to retrieve the specific heirloom that Padraic mentioned. With both the culprit and the family treasure in your possession, you can safely return to Irondale to conclude your successful magical investigation.