======Alohomora======
=====Spell Information=====
  * **Incantation:** [[Alohomora]]
  * **Pronunciation:** //a-LOH-ho-MOR-ah//
  * **Wand Movement:** A backward S-shape or a tap on the lock (film)
  * **Light:** A small blue or white spark (film); none described in the novels
  * **Effect:** Unlocks and opens mundane or simply enchanted doors and windows. It is ineffective against more powerful locking spells.
  * **Type:** [[Charm]]
=====History and Known Uses=====
Known as the Unlocking Charm and nicknamed the "thief's friend," [[Alohomora]] is one of the most practical and frequently used spells in the wizarding world. Its primary function is to bypass non-magical locks and simple magical seals.
  * In 1991, [[Hermione Granger]], having learned the spell from //[[The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1]]// before arriving at [[Hogwarts]], used it to open the locked door to the forbidden third-floor corridor. Later, the trio discovered that the door had been left unlocked by [[Professor Quirrell]], as it was protected by more complex [[enchantments]] meant to guard the [[Philosopher's Stone]].
  * In 1993, [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] attempted to use the spell on his office door to avoid being exposed as a fraud by [[Harry Potter]] and [[Ron Weasley]], but the spell failed to have any effect.
  * During the rescue of [[Sirius Black]] in 1994, [[Hermione Granger]] successfully used [[Alohomora]] to open the window of [[Professor Flitwick]]'s office, where Sirius was being held captive.
  * In 1995, [[Harry Potter]] used the spell to open a classroom door to hide from [[Argus Filch]] and [[Professor Snape]] while they were patrolling the corridors at night.
  * During the 1995-1996 school year, Harry taught the spell to members of [[Dumbledore's Army]]. Later that year, [[Hermione Granger]] attempted to use it on a locked door in the [[Department of Mysteries]], but the spell backfired, causing the lock to melt and seal the door permanently.
  * In 1997, [[Harry Potter]] cast [[Alohomora]] to gain access to [[Professor Slughorn]]'s office after Ron was poisoned.
  * During their infiltration of the [[Ministry of Magic]] in 1997, Hermione used the spell to unlock [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s office door. However, the spell later proved useless against the enchanted cell door in the cellar of [[Malfoy Manor]].
=====Learning and Counter-Spells=====
[[Alohomora]] is a fundamental spell taught to first-year students in their [[Charms]] class at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]. It is included in //[[The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1]]// by [[Miranda Goshawk]]. Due to its relative simplicity, many young witches and wizards master it quickly.
While effective on simple locks, the Unlocking Charm can be defeated by a variety of magical countermeasures:
  * **[[Colloportus]]:** The Locking Spell, [[Colloportus]], magically seals a door and is the direct counter-charm to [[Alohomora]]. A door sealed by [[Colloportus]] can typically be unsealed by [[Alohomora]].
  * **Advanced Locking Enchantments:** More powerful and complex enchantments render [[Alohomora]] completely ineffective. Examples of such protections include the door guarding [[Fluffy]], the entrance to the [[Department of Mysteries]], [[Professor Umbridge]]'s office door at [[Hogwarts]], and the door to [[Dumbledore]]'s office.
=====Etymology=====
According to J.K. Rowling, the incantation is derived from the West African Sidiki dialect used in geomancy. It is a combination of the words //aloha// and //mora//, which translates to "friendly to thieves." (J.K. Rowling interview).
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptations, the spell is consistently depicted as producing a small spark of blue or white light at the tip of the [[wand]]. The sound of a physical lock clicking open often accompanies the spell's effect. The films also establish a common wand movement: a key-like, backward S-shape gesture. (film).
  * In several *Harry Potter* video games, casting [[Alohomora]] initiates a lock-picking style minigame that the player must complete to successfully open a locked door or chest. (video game).