OOP: James, headboy without having been prefect?

[Alon van Dam]

No: HPFGUIDX 65641

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "medeia_no" <medeia_no at y...> 
wrote:
> Hagrid told Harry that his parents had been headboy and headgirl. 
> Now, things might be different at Hogwarts, but at every other 
school 
> I've been to you have to be prefect in order to become headboy/girl.
> 
> But in OOP, Harry finds out that James wasn't a prefect.
> 
> so how does this all add up?
> 
> Varana

Dear Varana,

I bid you welcome to the cacophany of voices who have been wondering 
about this! Here's a summary from what I remember that has been said 
about this subject: We don't think Hagrid stating that James was HB 
is a FLINT (it would be one of nigh Priori Incantatem-proportions if 
it was!) and therefore that one doesn't necessarily have to be a 
Prefect to become HB/HG. From what I've heard from friends of mine 
who went to Brittish high-schools, this seems to make sense as well. 
Head Boys and Girls are chosen from whomever the Headmaster
(/mistress) believes to be most suitable. Prefects are a natural 
choice, but it could be anyone of the last year.

Hope this helps!

Alon