How old is Voldemort?--Two different ages given!

[Ali <Ali@zymurgy.org>]

No: HPFGUIDX 49291

Snuffles said:- 

>>>Again.. Harry was 11 when he *began* his first year... so fifth 
years would  be between 15 and 16 in the beginning of the year and 16-
17 by the end.<<<

Harry will indeed be 15 at the beginning of his 5th year. Canon does 
allow for some confusion as to the ages of other kids at Hogwarts. 
However, if we are to follow the English/Welsh school pattern which 
appears to be favoured by JKR, then all 5th years would be 15 at the 
beginning of the 5th year, and most 16 by the end of the summer term. 

I do not quite understand why 5th years would be between 16 and 17 at 
the end of the year. Much of the discussion over ages is centred 
around Hermione's age - whether she is older or younger than Harry. 
However, even supposing that Hogwart's age cut-off is different to 
its academic year, and Hermione is younger than Harry, then this 
would mean that students were between the ages of 15 and 16 at the 
end of summer term, and not 16 and 17.

Ali