James, the Head Boy, but not a Prefect

[mhbobbin]

No: HPFGUIDX 107380

Angie:
>> Hagrid told Harry in SS that James was Head Boy and Lily was Head
Girl. But in OOP, we find out that James was not a Prefect; in fact,
Harry is comforted by the thought. I would think you couldn't be Head
Boy unless you were a Prefect first. But I guess DD can do whatever
he likes! <<


mhbobbin writes:

Although we don't know the details of the Prefect system, this 
information implies that something happened to the person in the 
same year who had been a Prefect.  Lupin was appointed Prefect in 
the fifth year of Hogwarts. We also know that Lupin believed he was 
made Prefect in order to control his friends--James and Sirius--and 
by his own admission, failed. We certainly witness him failing in 
the Penseive scene.

James is appointed Head Boy in the 7th year, and starts dating Lily 
who has been made Head Girl. James must have changed somewhat from 
his bullying behavior seen in the Penseive scene in year 5.

We also know that the much-discussed Whomping Willow incident 
happened in Year 6. Following that incident did Lupin resign in 
order to spare DD embarrassment, much like he does in PoA?   

Was Head Boy designation awarded to James because of he saved Snape? 
We don't yet know enough about the WW incident but it may have been 
the defining moment in James' Hogwarts experience.

 JKR has indicated we going to learn more about it.

mhbobbin