OWLs

[KathyK]

No: HPFGUIDX 131973

Steve wrote:
> -Practical Only ( 2 classes, 2 Owls)
> --Astronomy, Divinations

KathyK:

Actually, Harry also had an Astronomy theory exam that Wednesday 
morning of the practical, before Divination (OoP Ch 31, US hardback 
ed., p 717).


Christine wrote:

>>Sorry to say it is only 12 OWLs. From JKR's World Book Day Chat, 
March 4, 2004:

faye109: Is 12 the maximum possible number of OWLs one can achieve?
JK Rowling replies -> Yes, I think it is off the top of my head.<<

KathyK:

Ah, yes.  And she also said in that same chat:

**********
Luisa: How old are Charlie and Bill Weasley in relation to their 
other siblings?
JK Rowling replies -> Oh dear, maths. Let me think. Bill is two 
years older than Charlie, who is two years older than Percy.

http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/articles/2004/0304-wbd.htm
**********
Which she later corrected here:

http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/faq_view.cfm?id=63

She said, "I knew I'd messed up that question the moment I had 
answered it, but web chats move fast and I wanted to keep going to 
get through as many questions as I could...edit quote...Sorry. Maths 
is not my strong suit..." 

The point, of course, being that this could easily be another 
instance of the author not handling maths too well.  In the same 
chat, no less.  JKR's answers cannot always be taken as 100% 
accurate.  There is enough evidence in the books to suggest that she 
has not thought out--at least not to our satisfaction--the number of 
OWLs a student can earn based on the number of examinations it is 
possible to take

While she may well mean there are only twelve OWLs, regardless the 
number of exams the students take, until she puts this information 
into HBP or Book 7, her statement is not the only answer we can 
entertain.

KathyK, listening (as she's too exhausted to go and watch) to 
fireworks