Harry's potions O.W.L - Outstanding-NOT.

[Ali]

No: HPFGUIDX 103094

Steve wrote:
 
>>> I know I'm out numbered on this, but I just don't see how Harry 
could possibly get an 'Outstanding' on his OWL. 
 
Certainly, we all /want/ Harry to get an 'Outstanding' but I think 
it is just too great a leap for it to happen.>>

Ali:

Like Steve, I think it would probably be a stretch too far for Harry 
to get an Outstanding in his Potions OWL. It is possible, and a 
dramatic turnabout for Harry, but it isn't necessary simply to 
continue with the Snape/Harry interaction.

There are other possibilities:

a) Harry doesn't get "Outstanding", but Dumbledore forces Snape to 
take him anyway: I think that scenario is unlikely as showing too 
much overt favouritism.

b) Snape is finally allowed to become the DADA teacher and a new 
potions teacher allows Harry and similar "good" students who 
achieve "exceeds expectations", to continue with Potions.

I believe that Snape *will* become the DADA teacher at some time 
stage during Harry's time at Hogwarts. Dumbledore has always 
resisted Snape's application on the grounds it will prove too 
tempting for him, but this temptation will have to come at some 
point, and will be the ideal way to let Harry continue with Potions.
Perhaps Snape will then be tempted to the Dark Side once again (if 
he has ever really left) and this will be the end of Dumbledore - 
who knows?

On the subject of Defence Against the Dark Arts, I wonder if Harry 
will be awarded the "Outstanding" grade he surely earned? It is no 
coincidence that Umbridge had a "nasty smile playing around her 
wide, slack mouth" (OoP. p 630 UK edition) immediately after Harry's 
practical exam. Her smile cannot have meant good news for Harry, and 
I know I'm not alone in wondering whether the Ministry's corruption 
will allow them to downgrade Harry. Alternatively, of course, 
Umbridge will merely take credit for Harry's good work.

Ali