OOP: James, headboy without having been prefect?

[darrin_burnett]

No: HPFGUIDX 66398


> 
> I believe that James was a Headboy during his final
> year in Hogwarts. As Sirius said in OoP, James grew
> out of his 'behaviour' as he grew older. Maybe his not
> a prefect in his fifth year but he may be a prefect
> during his sixth year in Hogwarts. Is it possible?
> 


What I don't recall seeing in this discussion is who James would have 
to take the prefect job from. Lupin is currently the male prefect for 
the house. (Most likely Gryffindor, but regardless, I think it's 
clear they were all in the same house.)

Just to recap why I think it's clear: 1) Learning Animagus spells 
take time and privacy, which are more plentiful if you're in the same 
tower. 2) Lupin was made prefect to keep an eye on James and Sirius, 
which would indicate he had plenty of chances to do so. Therefore, 
same tower, same common room, etc.

In order for James to be a prefect, Lupin would have to NOT be a 
prefect.

Perhaps James was never a prefect, and just became Head Boy, while 
Lupin remained prefect. Or perhaps Lupin had another near-miss as far 
as attacking a student and resigned his prefect job.

Or, perhaps part of the bargain for Snape keeping his mouth shut 
after the Shrieking Shack was that Lupin would be removed from a 
position of authority. And James, having just shown maturity and 
leadership by saving his hated enemy, was then the logical choice?

Darrin
-- And no, I don't believe jealousy over prefect-hood makes Ever So 
Evil!Lupin more likely. :)