Trial of Time: A Hogwarts Legacy Story

(P1) Chapter 12 - Welcome to Feldcroft

Shortly after I completed the first trial, I managed to speak with Sirona. She told me where to find Lodgok in the Hog's Head pub. It took a little convincing, but Lodgok finally agreed to work with me because I had earned the respect and friendship of Sirona. He told me of a plan to obtain an old goblin helmet called the Helm of Urtkot. Lodgok's plan was to present the helmet to Ranrok in hopes of gaining his favor. There was only one slight problem: as a goblin, Lodgok isn't allowed to carry a wand, therefore he couldn't retrieve the helmet from an old witch's tomb where it was buried. That's where I came into play.

Unfortunately for me, the tomb was infested with Inferi. I narrowly escaped being mauled to death by them before I was able to reach the main chamber.

Even more unfortunately, I found no helmet. Only a dead Ashwinder. I informed Lodgok of this, and he pointed out a nearby camp of Dark wizards that likely took the helmet. After another round of exhausting fights, I managed to secure the helmet and bring it to Lodgok. He agreed to send word once he received news.

I'm not going to lie, I had my doubts about where Lodgok's loyalty lies. I sincerely believed for a moment in the witch's tomb that this had been a trap to ambush me. However, I began to feel like I could trust the goblin after I returned with the helmet and he sincerely thanked me.

Although I still have some doubts, he's the best lead that we have at this point. I don't really have any other choice but to wait and see how this will play out.

Shortly after returning to the Gryffindor common room from my meeting with Lodgok, my owl swoops down and drops a letter in my hands.

C,

Now's the time. Meet me in Feldcroft tomorrow after classes. I have a lot to show you.

S.

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Sebastian POV

Feldcroft isn't the same as it was when my sister and I were younger. Since Ranrok's Loyalists set up camp nearby, most of the people in our hamlet have fled to other towns, seeking comfort in larger numbers. When the news spread that Anne was cursed, even more of them left.

The quiet stillness is almost uncomfortable. I stand at the top of the guard's tower overlooking the hamlet as I wait, hoping that Ciri will make an appearance. I haven't told Anne that we were coming yet, as I wanted it to be a surprise. Ominis declined to join us due to the rubbish excuse that he has ten inches to write for Binns' class tomorrow. Really, I think it's because he's still upset with me for showing Ciri the Undercroft.

In a way, I'm glad it's just me and Ciri coming here alone together. I want to show her more of my world in hopes that maybe, someday, she'll give me even the smallest glimpse into hers.

I look up and see a familiar swoosh of dark robes descending near the town's entrance. Ciri hops off of her broom, her ashen locks loosely framing her face. She looks around for a moment before seeing me at the top of the tower and making her way up.

"Enjoying the view?" she smiles as her eyes meet mine.

Now I am.

I sigh. "Keeping an eye out. Feldcroft isn't what it used to be. Not since Ranrok and his Loyalists took a peculiar interest in that tower over there. The old Rookwood family castle."

We both turn and begin to make our way down the guard's tower.

"My uncle Solomon is a former Auror and refuses to investigate, even after Anne was cursed," I explain, clenching my jaw in anger. "Unfortunately, you will also have to meet him today."