So, you’re wandering through the Three Broomsticks, minding your own business, and you hear a painting complaining. Not just regular magical complaining, either. This is Ferdinand Octavius Pratt we’re talking about. He’s the subject of the Hogwarts Legacy Portrait in a Pickle quest, and honestly, he’s kind of a lot. He’s vain, he’s loud, and he’s currently missing from his frame in the library because some students decided they’d had enough of his spying.
It starts with Astoria Crickett. You’ll find her standing around the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, looking a bit stressed. She’s the one who triggers the whole mess. Apparently, Ferdinand’s other portrait—the one in the Hogwarts Library—has been snatched.
Most people assume this is just a quick fetch quest. It’s not. It actually takes you quite far south, into territory that can be pretty nasty if you aren't leveled up properly. We're talking Level 20+ territory, specifically the Marunweem Lake region. If you haven't unlocked the southern portion of the map yet by traversing the Coastal Mine, you’re going to have a long walk ahead of you.
Where is the Hogwarts Legacy Portrait in a Pickle actually hidden?
First off, don't bother looking in the Forbidden Forest. Despite what some early rumors suggested when the game launched, Ferdinand is much further away. You need to head to the Marunweem Ruins.
If you’ve got the Marunweem Ruins Floo Flame, just fast travel there. If not, hop on your broom. It's a coastal trek. Once you arrive at the ruins, you’ll notice they aren’t exactly empty. It’s a bandit camp. Specifically, it’s crawling with Ashwinders. You can try to be sneaky with a Disillusionment Charm, but usually, it just devolves into a massive spell-slinging fight.
The Ashwinders have Ferdinand tucked away in a stone enclosure. You’ll need to clear out the enemies first because trying to interact with a portrait while a Poacher Stalker is lobbing fireballs at your head is... suboptimal.
Once the area is clear, look for a staircase leading down into a small underground cellar area within the ruins. You’ll find Ferdinand’s portrait leaning against a wall. He won't be grateful. Instead, he’ll spend most of the time insulting your fashion sense or complaining about the "ruffians" who stole him. It’s classic Ferdinand.
The Choice: Three Broomsticks or the Hog's Head?
This is where the quest gets interesting from a roleplay perspective. You’ve picked up the portrait, and now you have a choice. You can be a "good" student and take him back to the Three Broomsticks where he belongs, or you can take him to the Hog's Head Inn.
Why the Hog's Head? Well, the Hog's Head is famously "dodgy." It’s dirty, it’s dark, and Ferdinand—who considers himself a high-society gentleman—will absolutely hate it there.
- Returning to Three Broomsticks: This satisfies Astoria. Ferdinand goes back to his spot, continues being a nosy snitch, and you get your rewards.
- Taking him to the Hog's Head: You basically dump him in a bar filled with goats and grime. He’ll scream. He’ll be miserable. It’s objectively the funnier choice if you find his personality grating.
- Burning him? You can't actually destroy the portrait, though the dialogue options let you threaten it.
The rewards remain the same regardless of where you put him. You get the Oddities Shelf (a nice little Conjuration recipe for your Room of Requirement) and the standard XP. Honestly, the real reward is just getting him to stop talking.
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Navigating the Level Gap
One thing most guides forget to mention is the difficulty spike. If you rush the Hogwarts Legacy Portrait in a Pickle quest as soon as it appears in your log, you might be under-leveled. The Ashwinders in the Marunweem Ruins hit hard.
I’d recommend having at least a few upgraded gear pieces. Use your Loom. If you haven't been catching beasts and gathering materials, those Ashwinder Assassins will make short work of you. Also, make sure you have Alohomora Level 2. While the main quest area doesn't strictly require it for the portrait itself, several chests in that ruin are locked behind Level 2 doors. It’s a waste of a trip if you can't loot the place while you're there.
Ferdinand is a piece of work. He represents that specific brand of Wizarding World elitism that makes the world feel lived-in. He isn't a hero. He isn't even a victim you feel particularly sorry for. He’s just a portrait in a pickle, and you’re the magical delivery person.
Essential Checklist for Success
- Unlock the Coast: Ensure you've completed "The Coastal Mine" quest to access the southern map.
- Check your Level: Level 20 is the sweet spot. Anything lower and the bandits will be "red" or "skull" level enemies.
- Stock up on Wiggenweld: There are a lot of enemies in those ruins. You'll need the heals.
- Decide his fate: Think about whether you want to be kind or mischievous before you reach the destination.
If you’re struggling to find the ruins, look for the large bridge structure on the map in the Marunweem Lake section. The ruins are tucked right against the eastern cliffs near the water. Once you're inside the stone structure, listen for his voice. He’s loud enough that you’ll hear him through the floor before you see him.
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The quest isn't just about the portrait; it's a great excuse to explore the southern reaches of the map which many players ignore until the very end of the game. Just watch out for the Inferi that occasionally spawn near the water's edge on your way out. They’re a pain if you don't have Incendio or Confringo slotted and ready to go.
Next Steps for Completionists
To wrap this up and get the most out of your run, make sure you do the following:
- Loot the surrounding area: The Marunweem Ruins contain a Collection Chest that counts toward your regional completion percentage.
- Check the Hog's Head later: If you chose to put Ferdinand in the Hog's Head, go back after a few in-game days. Hearing him complain about the "unsavory" clientele is a great bit of environmental storytelling.
- Clear the Bandit Camp: Don't just grab the portrait and run. Defeating the camp leader gives you a trait recipe you’ll likely need for late-game combat builds.
- Check your Room of Requirement: Once finished, head back to your Room of Requirement to place the Oddities Shelf. It's one of the more unique-looking furniture items in the game.