Snape's (un)fair grading

[bibphile]

No: HPFGUIDX 76006

bibphile at y... writes:
I was under the impression (though I admit that I don't know why) 
that only O.W.L.s counted fifth year.  Basically if you pass the 
test you pass even if you have straight zeros and if you fail the 
test you fail even if you have straight 100's.
 
sherry: 
Ok  I have a different opionion of this.  When Fred and George took 
there OWL's they still passed 5th grade.  There mom was complaining 
about how few they got.  I think what the OWL's do is give options 
as to what classes you get to take 6th year.  Remember Magonagel 
talking to Harry about how you need really high marks to become an 
AUROR.  So not sure if that helps or not but I don't think you fail 
your year if you fail your OWL's.  You just can't get into some 
higher classes.  Sort of like an OWL would be a prerequisite class 
for college here in the states.  
>

But if you fail all your OWLS, then you can't get into any of the 
classes sixth year.  I think they all demand at least an "A" for you 
to get in.  It's just that some demand higher.  If you don't get any 
OWLS, you can't take any more classes.  You've failed.

Fred and George each got three OWLs.  That mean they can each take 
three classes sixth yeaer (assuming each OWL was in a different 
subject).

At least that's what I think.  You can continue with potions if you 
get an "O" on the OWLs no matter what you make in class.  You can 
continue with Transfiguaration if you get an "E."  But I doubt any 
class will let you continue if you don't get at least an "A".

This is all theory.  I'm basing it on what I've seen in the books 
and what I've heard about the O-levels that used to be given in the 
UK.  I could be wrong.  It's just that when they talked about what 
Harry needed to take higher classes, nobody mentioned class-room 
grades.

bibphile