If you mean the door with a snake-shaped lock and two symbols, it is one of the Scriptorium gates in Sebastian’s quest In the Shadow of the Study. Match the lock’s upper and lower symbols to the two glyphs on the gate you want to open, then do it quickly: the lock is timed and can strike if you are too slow or enter the wrong combination.
Reach the Scriptorium puzzle
Windows Central lists three requirements for unlocking In the Shadow of the Study: complete Sebastian’s earlier quests, reach level 16, and finish the main quest The High Keep. Follow the quest marker to meet Sebastian and then Ominis. Windows Central’s quest walkthrough covers the progression and entrance sequence.
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- At the entrance, use Confringo to light all three snake-shaped braziers quickly. Lighting all three opens the secret passage.
- Use Reparo on the damaged wall relief below the braziers.
- Speak with Ominis. He opens the large serpent door by speaking Parseltongue.
PowerPyx also describes the entrance steps in its In the Shadow of the Study walkthrough.
Match each snake lock to its own door
- Before interacting with a lock, look at the gate you want to open and note its two symbols: the upper glyph and the lower glyph.
- Find the nearby snake lock for that gate. It may be around a corner, behind a half-open gate, or along a route you have already opened.
- Rotate the lock’s upper and lower sections until they show the same symbols as the target gate. On a controller, PowerPyx lists the left and right sticks as the controls.
- Return to the gate. Repeat the process for the next one, using that gate’s symbols rather than assuming the combination displayed on a nearby lock is the answer.
The dials are timed, so check the gate’s glyphs before starting the lock and enter the pair promptly. An incorrect or late combination can make the snake strike. Gamer Guides and Twinfinite describe the matching mechanic and time pressure in their quest guide and Slytherin lock guide.
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#1 Best Overall
- EXPLORE AN OPEN WORLD. The wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.
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- Import Region Free PEGI Version
The locks and gates form a short route-finding puzzle, not a sequence to solve by memorizing symbol names. Use the actual glyphs on each target gate as your reference. Windows Central describes the first pair as an upper circle with a right half-moon over an infinity-like snake symbol. Its later pairs are described as a rounded A with a tail over a triangle, then a circle with two marks over a pointed A. These descriptions can help you recognize the art, but matching the symbols on your own gate is the reliable method.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The snake locks are separate from the Crucio choice
The snake-symbol gates are an access puzzle earlier in the quest. After passing them, you reach a separate Cruciatus door and a conversation with Sebastian about learning or using Crucio. Learning the curse is not required to operate the snake locks. Windows Central says you can decline it and have another opportunity to learn it later; Gamer Guides’ quest guide likewise treats Crucio as a separate decision.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- EXPLORE AN OPEN WORLD. The wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.
- BE THE WITCH OR WIZARD YOU WANT TO BE. Learn spells, brew potions, grow plants, and tend to magical beasts along your journey. Get sorted into your house, forge relationships, and master skills to become the witch or wizard you want to be.
- EXPERIENCE A NEW WIZARDING WORLD ADVENTURE. Experience the wizarding world in an unexplored era to uncover a hidden truth from its past. Battle against trolls, Dark Wizards, goblins, and more as you face a dangerous villain threatening the fate of the wizarding world.
- Please note that although this game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and will work on all systems, this is the international version and may differ from the local version in age rating, labeling or instructions. DLC content may not work unless using an EU Playstation account as stated this is an EU Import Region Free Version
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