Find And Speak With Ferdinand In The Ruins Quest Guide

Navigating the various side quests in Hogwarts Legacy leads players to unique characters and entertaining scenarios across the open world. One particularly memorable objective involves tracking down the portrait frame of Ferdinand Octavius Pratt, an overly opinionated painting stolen from his usual post. Understanding how to find and speak with Ferdinand in the ruins allows players to advance the Portrait in a Pickle quest line smoothly while unlocking multiple narrative resolutions.
Starting the Quest and Unlocking Requirements
Before players can track down Ferdinand's missing frame, they must meet specific quest requirements within the main campaign. Progressing through the story unlocks the quest line starting inside the Hogwarts Castle Library, where the main portrait complains about its missing alternate frame. Players also need to unlock Alohomora Level 2, as access to the underground chamber holding the portrait requires bypassing a locked gate.
Locating the Marunweem Lake Ruins
After speaking with Astoria Crickett in Hogsmeade to discover where the portrait was hidden, players must travel far south to the Marunweem Lake region. The targeted location rests near the Marunweem Ruins Floo Flame, where dark wizards and bandits guard the upper grounds. Players can clear the hostile surface area using strategic spells or stealth before searching for the subterranean entrance near the local Merlin Trial structure.
Infiltrating the Underground Cellar and Unlocking the Door
Once the surface threats are cleared, look for a stone staircase leading down into an underground cellar beneath the main ruin arches. Descend the steps into the dark corridor until reaching a gated cell secured by a Level 2 lock. Casting Alohomora Level 2 grants access inside the cellar room where Ferdinand's frame is propped against the far wall.
Interacting with Ferdinand and Deciding His Fate
Approaching the frame initiates a conversation with Ferdinand, who urgently demands to be returned to his original spot at the Three Broomsticks. Players can choose to fulfill his request, carry him to the rougher Hog's Head Inn as punishment, or burn the frame using fire spells. Deciding where to place or destroy the portrait concludes the side quest and awards players their experience points and room decorations.