Pull it to raise the portcullis, then head up the steps and through the doors, where you will find Lord Harkon. After all the vampires have been killed, follow Isran to a gated off doorway with a pull chain to the right of it. When they have been defeated, you will then lead the charge into Castle Volkihar, fighting the remaining vampires and Death hound. Once you arrive there, the Dawnguard, including one armored troll, will start the attack on the castle, beginning with five vampires, a few Gargoyles and one Death hound who defend the outdoor approach to the castle. After a short speech, everyone will head out to Castle Volkihar.

You may obtain this cure from either Aela the Huntress (if you have progressed far enough in the Companions quest line), by turning you into werewolf, or from Falion in Morthal who can cure you entirely. If you chose to become a vampire in order to gain access to the Soul Cairn, Isran will refuse to speak with you until you have been cured. Once at Fort Dawnguard, talk to Isran, who will gather the rest of the Dawnguard. Because both dialogue options end in him attacking you, it is not recommended to give him Auriel's Bow, as it can be very useful during the battle.ĭawnguard Side: The Dawnguard side of this quest is much like the Vampire side, except that after acquiring the bow, Serana will tell you to head back to Isran. Likewise, if you give him the bow, he will betray you and attack. If you refuse to give it to him, he will attack you. At this point, Lord Harkon will demand that you give him Auriel's Bow. He makes a final insult to Valerica, and chides Serana for becoming more like her mother. When Serana tells him that she will not let herself be sacrificed and that you are on her side, Lord Harkon will give recognition to your persuasive abilities by saying that 'This dragon has fangs'. When you confront Lord Harkon, he will begin by insulting you for your disloyalty towards him. He can be found upstairs in the Volkihar Cathedral, where he awaits you and Serana in his Vampire Lord form. Once inside, it is not possible to initiate dialogue with any of the other vampires, who will instead direct you to Lord Harkon. Vampire Side: After obtaining Auriel's Bow, Serana tells you that it is time to confront her father. Lord Harkon using the full extent of his power

Castle volkihar side quests