The three girls ran to the other side of the hall. A Flying Broomstick leaned against the wall not far away, probably brought in by Quirrell.
Some mischievous keys launched harassing attacks at them, but Hannah and Susan knocked them down with "Expelliarmus," buying Hermione time to study the keyhole.
"Two inches tall, about half an inch wide. The lock is blue, so the key probably has blue patterns or decorations." Hermione measured the keyhole with her fingers. "We need a large key, bigger than all the others!"
"Over there!"
Susan, who wore glasses yet had the sharpest eyesight, spotted a key that matched the description. It floated listlessly among the other keys, as if it had recently been shoved roughly into a keyhole. Its wings drooped, and its feathers were a mess.
While continuously firing back, Hannah said nervously, "Quirrell may have flown up on a broomstick to catch the key, but none of us are good at that sport."
Hermione turned and drew her wand, recalling the incantation.
"We don't need a broomstick. On the train to Hogwarts, Professor Wilson taught me a spell and told me to practice it more. He said I wouldn't pass until I could summon things from my home all the way to the castle. That goal probably won't be possible for years, but I've kept practicing this spell. Key with the messiest feathers, come here!"
A burst of light shot from the tip of her wand, tracing a clear path through the air. With a flick of her wrist, the large key continued to struggle, yet it was as though an invisible hand had seized it and dragged it straight into Hermione's grasp.
The girl gripped the key and immediately opened the lock. The three slipped through the door, leaving the other