Combined Classes (WAS Re: How Twenty is Twenty?)

[edisbevan]

No: HPFGUIDX 47636

jazmyn wrote:
>though only
> Gryffindor students were ever mentioned by name in the class, which
> supports my stating that 'double' classes are twice as long, not
> refering to two houses in a class. 

Jazmyn is right I think. 

The term 'double class' is a standard British education term for one 
lasting twice as long as a normal class.

A 'class' or 'period' is typically 45 minutes. The pattern is usually 
Class-move to next room -class - take a leisure break of 10/15 
minutes, then class-move-class. A double period or class just means 
stay in the same room with the same teacher doing the same subject 
without a move or break. The experience is usually referred to 
as 'Double French' or mathematics or whatever.

I am certain it never occured to JKR that any other meaning is 
possible - interesting how other cultural assumptions throw lights 
and shadows on a shared language... Its my expectation that the 
reference is there simply as a literary hook to establish the 'same 
but different' appearance of the wizarding world in relation to our 
muggleverse.
 
Edis