Hogwarts Pop (was: the sorting hat problem)

[Serena Moonsilver]

No: HPFGUIDX 54602

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "sidkrisha" <sidkrisha at y...> 
wrote:
> By the way, based on the COS, I calculated the strength at 
> Hogwarts to be 280 (which was why I decided on the number of 
> students per year as 40), but in another book (POA or GOF, I 
> forget which), there is a reference to 200 people in a house.  Can 
> someone fill me on on this? 
> 
> Sid ; who shud probably be spending more time on his research

Well, Sid

This particular issue has been the subject of much (much!) debate.  
Offically, JK has said that there around 1000 students at Hogwarts. 
With 200 in a house, that puts it at 800.  Though most people arrive 
at or arround the 280 you mentioned when you actually try and 
calculate it.

My own personal theory:  That the 800-1000 is correct.  That when the 
students are sorted, they aren't only sorted into houses, but into 
groups (Group A and B).  Group A is the upper half and group b is the 
lower half (in terms of academic ability).  Harry (and the rest) are 
in group A and since that is who Harry is around all the time, that's 
who we hear about.  Group B simply act as background players.

Serena