Hogwarts Legacy remains one of the most intricate wizarding world experiences available, and among its many mysteries, the side quest known as "Ghost of Our Love" stands out as a particularly clever piece of game design. This quest revolves entirely around an item titled the "Map with Floating Candles." Unlike many other collectibles in the game, the path to obtaining this map varies significantly depending on which Hogwarts House the player belongs to. This makes the quest a unique point of discussion within the community, as the starting experience for a Gryffindor is entirely different from that of a Slytherin or a Ravenclaw.

Completing this quest is essential for players looking to secure the Treasure-Seeker's Scarf and gain a substantial amount of Galleons early in the game. However, the nondescript drawings on the map—a bridge, some trees, and a few candles—frequently leave players wandering the Highlands without a clear direction. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to find the map for every House and the precise steps needed to follow those elusive floating candles into the Forbidden Forest.

The Quest for the Map with Floating Candles by House

To even see the map with floating candles, certain main story milestones must be reached. Specifically, players must complete the "Trials of Merlin" and attend their first Potions class. Shortly after, an Owl Post message will trigger a House-specific quest involving the ghost Richard Jackdaw. It is during these specific missions that the map becomes accessible.

Gryffindor: The Hunt for the Missing Pages

For those sorted into Gryffindor, the quest "The Hunt for the Missing Pages" serves as the gateway. This mission involves interacting with Nearly Headless Nick (Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington), who leads the player to the Hogsmeade Graveyard. The goal is to find Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore among the Headless Hunt.

The map with floating candles is located within this graveyard. After the initial cutscenes and conversations near the crypts north of Hogsmeade, players should look for a stone grave marker situated just to the right of the crypt entrance. The map sits plainly on top of a flat gravestone. It is easy to miss if one rushes straight toward the ghosts, so a quick cast of Revelio in the cemetery area is highly recommended to highlight the parchment.

Slytherin: Scrope’s Last Hope

Slytherin students find the map during the quest "Scrope’s Last Hope." This mission is notably different as it involves the Black family’s house-elf, Scrope. The path leads to a hidden location known as Apollonia’s Grotto, a cave beneath the cliffs of Hogwarts that is tied to the history of the Black family.

After reaching the grotto—which is easily identifiable by the large red squid mural painted on the wall—players must interact with a pedestal. Placing a piece of toast on this pedestal (a quirky requirement of the quest) opens a secret compartment. Inside this newly revealed area, a chest sits to the right side of the room. Opening this chest grants the map with floating candles. This location is one of the more atmospheric spots in the game, emphasizing the darker, more secretive nature of the Slytherin questline.

Ravenclaw: Ollivander’s Heirloom

Ravenclaws are directed to the Owlery through the quest "Ollivander’s Heirloom." Gerbold Ollivander requests assistance in finding a missing wand that was stolen by Richard Jackdaw years prior. This leads the player to the tall, owl-filled tower on the southwest edge of the Hogwarts grounds.

To find the map, players must ascend to the very top level of the Owlery. After completing the puzzle involving the small bird statues and pull-handles (using Accio), the final ladder leads to an outdoor viewing platform. On the floor of this upper deck, towards the southern side of the structure, the map with floating candles lies waiting. The view from this location is spectacular, but the map itself is a humble piece of paper that requires a careful eye to spot against the stone floor.

Hufflepuff: Prisoner of Love

Hufflepuff players undergo perhaps the most emotionally resonant version of the Jackdaw questline, titled "Prisoner of Love." This involves a trip to the wizarding prison, Azkaban, to speak with an innocent woman named Anne Thisbe. However, the map itself is found after returning from this journey.

The search leads to the small hamlet of Upper Hogsfield. Specifically, players should look for a small house located directly behind the vendor stall operated by Claire Beaumont. To the right of the front door of this house is a chest. This chest contains the map with floating candles. It is a straightforward find compared to the Slytherin grotto, but it fits the humble and hardworking theme associated with the Hufflepuff House.

Deciphering the Map with Floating Candles

Once the map is in the inventory, examining it reveals three distinct clues:

  1. A stone bridge with a forest entrance in the background.
  2. A crescent moon symbol, indicating the quest must be performed at night.
  3. A wand casting the Lumos spell, which spawns three floating candles.

The location depicted is the entrance to the Forbidden Forest. This area is easily accessible via the Forbidden Forest Floo Flame location, which sits just north of the Hogwarts castle grounds. The stone bridge is impossible to miss once arriving at this fast-travel point.

Step-by-Step Solution: Following the Candles

Having the map is only half the battle. Solving the puzzle requires precise timing and the correct spell usage. Even if a player stands in the right spot during the day, nothing will happen. The following steps ensure the quest progresses correctly.

Changing the Time of Day

If the sun is still up, the floating candles will not appear. To change the time, open the Map menu and look for the "Wait" prompt (typically the R3 button on controllers or the 'F' key on PC). Confirming this action will advance time from day to night. The environment should be sufficiently dark, with the moon visible, before attempting the next step.

The Bridge and Lumos

Position the character at the southern end of the stone bridge leading into the Forbidden Forest. This bridge is located right next to the Forbidden Forest Floo Flame. Once standing on the edge of the bridge, cast the spell Lumos.

Immediately upon casting the spell, three enchanted, glowing candles will manifest in the air in front of the player. These candles serve as the guide for the remainder of the quest. It is important to keep Lumos active initially, though the candles will persist once they begin to move.

The Journey into the Forest

The candles will start to drift northward, across the bridge and into the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. Players must follow them closely. The path is relatively safe, but the Forbidden Forest is home to spiders and poachers, so it is wise to keep a combat spell like Confringo or Diffindo ready on a secondary spell diamond just in case a stray enemy wanders into the path.

The candles will lead the way through a stone archway and up a slight incline. Eventually, they will stop at a clearing where a romantic table for two has been set up, complete with more candles and a bottle of wine. This location is the final destination for the "Ghost of Our Love" quest.

Rewards and Final Considerations

Upon reaching the candlelit table, a treasure chest will magically appear or become interactable nearby. Opening this chest completes the quest and provides the following rewards:

  • Treasure-Seeker's Scarf: A unique cosmetic item that is part of the larger Treasure-Seeker's gear set. This set is highly coveted by collectors who enjoy the "explorer" aesthetic for their character.
  • 400 Galleons: A significant amount of currency, especially for players who are still in the early-to-mid stages of the game and need to purchase potion recipes or broom upgrades.
  • 180 XP: A standard experience reward that contributes to the player's overall level and talent point progression.

Why the Map Might Not Appear

Some players report difficulty in finding the map or getting the candles to spawn. The most common reason for the map not appearing is that the House-specific quest (like "The Hunt for the Missing Pages") has not been progressed far enough. The map is tied to the discovery of Richard Jackdaw’s ghost; if you haven't met him yet, the map likely isn't at its designated spawn point.

If the candles don't spawn at the bridge despite it being night, ensure you are standing on the actual stone bridge structure, not just near it. Sometimes moving a few paces toward the center of the bridge and re-casting Lumos solves the issue. Additionally, verify that the quest is actually tracked in the Quest Log to ensure the game world is ready to trigger the event.

The Legacy of the Ghost of Our Love

This quest is a fan favorite because it rewards exploration and attention to detail. It doesn't rely on combat prowess or complex boss mechanics, but rather on the player’s ability to observe the world and follow visual clues. Whether you are searching through a graveyard as a Gryffindor or a secret grotto as a Slytherin, the "Map with Floating Candles" offers a satisfying narrative beat that connects the player to the history of Richard Jackdaw and the secrets of the Hogwarts grounds.

As of April 2026, many players still find this to be one of the most memorable early-game activities. It serves as an excellent introduction to the idea that the game world changes based on the time of day and that not every secret is revealed by a quest marker. Keeping your eyes open and your wand ready is the best way to navigate the mysteries of the 1890s wizarding world. For those looking to complete their gear collections, the Treasure-Seeker's Scarf is a mandatory acquisition, making this little trip to the Forbidden Forest well worth the effort.