Things that you wish were in the Harry Potter novels -- OWL System

[Dave]

No: HPFGUIDX 192015

> Bruce Mull <bpmull at ...> wrote:
> <snip>
> One thing that JKR truly got wrong is the OWL system.
>
> There are seven required magical classes: Astronomy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions and Transfiguration. With the possible exception of History or Magic, each has a Theory and a Practical OWL. Thus, there are at least 13 OWLs here.
>
> In addition, beginning the third year, students take at least two classes from Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Muggle Studies and Numerology. Admitedly, Arithmancy and Numerology should be part of Divination, but they are listed as separate studies. These would each have both a Theory and Practical OWL, as well. Thus, at least 4 more OWLs.
>
> The point is, each student would have to sit at least 17 OWLs -- possibly more. [Not to mention any nonmagical classes which there would most certainly be, but which are never mentioned.] Therefore, how can the 12 OWLs of Percy be considered good?
>


Dave:
Surely, although there are two exams/tests for Astronomy, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, [History of Magic], Potions and Transfiguration, there are only seven subjects and students have to pass both the Theory and Practical exams/tests to gain an OWL.

So Percy would have had to have passed five of the optional subjects as well the seven compulsory ones to get a total of twelve OWLs.  I wonder which ones he took and whether he had to use a time-turner to get to all his classes?

Dave