OOP: Why OWLs aren't FLINTs!

[Alon van Dam]

No: HPFGUIDX 65679

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "schlamom" <schlamom at y...> 
wrote:
>  <alanphoenix1 at h...> wrote:
> > This is just a short post to give a possible explanation to the 
> > alleged FLINT concerning the OWLs 
>   
> 
> Hi, all, I just found this site about a week before the OOP book 
> came out.  I'm finding it fascinating to read all the ideas from 
> other adults re: the Harry Potter books.  Just a quick question:  
> what's a flint?  I looked in Very Freq. Asked Questions but can't 
> find it there.  I think I have an idea from the context, but can 
> someone define it for me?  Thanks,
> 
> cavviemom

Dear cavviemom,

First of all, welcome to the Harry Potter for Grownups community! :D 
I hope you'll have a great time posting and reading here and I hope 
even more to see some more posts of you soon! :)))

On to FLINTs. Do you remember ol' Marcus Flint? He was a Chaser for 
the Slytherin Quidditch House Team, and its Captain to boot. In Book 
1 (PS/SS), he is referred to as a 6th year. In the second book (CoS), 
he's a 7th year and in the 3rd book (PoA), he's a 7th year again!! 
This was one of the first sure-fire mistakes that had been spotted in 
the books by the fanbase, and was all but acknowledged by JKR. Hence 
everything we find that we think is not a plot-device but an actual 
error on JKR's behalf or the publishers, we call a FLINT, which has 
become known as the acronym: Flint-Like Inconsistencies Nitpicked 
Triumphantly.

Hope this helps :)

See you around!
Alon