Hermione watched, holding in her breath. She was trying not to even think about the lock in case she forced it to stay closed or forced it to unlock. She tried to keep her mind blank and just waited. When he gave up she exhaled in a rush and her shoulders sagged with relief. It wasn't an error-proof test but it was more evidence that they could rule Hermes out. Wonderful! She stood up straight and gave him her attention again. His smile was sheepish... but not too disappointed. Good. She smiled back him, feeling even more relieved.

Then, smiling confidently, she stepped close to him and grabbed the door knob. She leaned forward a bit and the end of her blond ponytail slipped over her shoulder. For a brief moment she closed her eyes and held it. She tried exactly what Paul had, picturing the pieces of the lock in her mind and coaxing them unlocked. Then she twisted the handle and pushed the door open. She glanced back up at Paul and grinned triumphantly. "Lock master, at your service!" she said. Then she slipped inside.