Trial of Time: A Hogwarts Legacy Story

(P1) Chapter 11 - The First Trial

 ***author's note: I know, I know. This chapter is a little slower, but I promise things are about to take an interesting turn! Stay tuned :-) ***

"Petrificus totalus," I whisper.

The Loyalist warrior freezes, falling over in his tracks.

After waking up this morning, I received an owl from Professor Fig letting me know that Rackham's trial was finally ready and to meet him at San Bakar's tower. Unfortunately, we hadn't expected a dozen Loyalists to be camped outside the front door.

So we had to improvise.

Luckily we were able to sneak around the camp using the Disillusionment charm and take out each of the goblins one by one. After successfully searching their tents, Fig and I find a letter containing orders directly from Ranrok to search and secure the tower.

"There you are!" An unfamiliar voice snarls.

We see two Loyalist assassins and three other goblins appear outside the tent. This fight was definitely a lot bloodier than I expected since I got sliced by one of the assassin's blades. Fig and I manage to take them out as I fall to the ground, weakened and clenching my forearm to slow the bleeding.

"They got you pretty good," says Fig, frowning as he rolls up my sleeve and presses his wand to my arm. "I have to warn you that this isn't going to feel great, but it's the best we can do for now. Episkey."

"Ow!" I yelp, watching as the cut slowly closes itself up. He was right, it didn't particularly feel great. But it did feel a lot better than bleeding out a slow death in the middle of a Loyalist camp. Professor Fig helped me to my feet and handed me a Wiggenweld potion. "Here, drink up. This should make you feel better."

Once I'm finally healed, we make our way up to the front door of the tower. I frown, seeing that it's locked shut.

"Professor, I think we'll have to-"

Fig flicks his wand. The door unlocks and opens without warning.

"An Unlocking charm? You'll have to teach me that sometime," I laugh.

The tower appears to be devoid of anyone, with books scattered on the floor and amongst shelves. A broom steadily sweeps dust on the lower level. We climb the stairs carefully up to the final room at the top, where a portrait of Percival Rackham greets us.

"Welcome to San Bakar's Tower."

"Professor, who is San Bakar?" I ask, puzzled.

"Professor Bakar is another Keeper you have yet to meet. This tower used to be his primary study outside the castle," Rackham explains. He smiles. "I am glad that I was correct in assuming that we would meet again. However, I surmise from the commotion I heard that you did not have any easy time getting in."

I nod, "Yes, Professor. Unfortunately Ranrok and the goblins have discovered the tower and are camping here to secure it and search it."

Rackham sighs, sadness in his voice. "That goblins were aware of my vault is disquieting enough, if they have made a connection to this tower... the threat may be much greater than we thought. All the reason to move forward."

He goes on to discuss how the first trial will be found in this tower and how I will need to use ancient magic traces to determine the exact entrance.

"As Professor Fig and I cannot join you, we will meet you again in the Map Chamber once you have completed the trial."