house points

[kausarqadir]

How are points cut and increased from the houses?
is it necessary to give reasons?
because we have seen for about a hundred of times that people do give reasons.
also, Malfoy when allowed from Umbridge did the same.

[Sirius Potter Fan]

How are points cut and increased from the houses?
is it necessary to give reasons?
because we have seen for about a hundred of times that people do give reasons.
also, Malfoy when allowed from Umbridge did the same.

good observation. it obviously has to be someone who has been given the authority to do so... and presumably they must be magical... of Filch would be taking points left and right, and he never has! I'm shure there has to be a stated reason, or...someone like Malfoy would just sit there..."fifty points from Gryffindor...fifty points from Gryffindor" etc. And I would also assume that the amount of points is regulated somehow according to the severity of the incident.

[Boing]

I think whomever is taking the points away determines the amount. There might be a cap on the number, but we have seen times when the number of points taken away does not really seem to fit the "crime." Also, I agree, it seems there would need to be a reason for taking the points, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a good one - take for instance, "being an insufferable know-it-all." :D

[Tonks]

I think the privledge of taking (and giving) house points is only given to teachers and the Head Boy and Girl (and Prefects) - who are supposed to be responsible enough that a regulation system should not be needed. Whatever house points they personally designate to be taken/given from a certain house is the amount that is added/subtracted from the hourglasses.

I agree with Boing on the topic of the reasons.. However, I think that these reasons can be implied as well - depending on the situation. (Ex. "Excellent! Take a point for Gryffindor!") I do wonder if it would work if Snape just randomly came into class and took 5 points off of Gryffindor for no reason though..

[Hermione]

Snape walks into the class.."5 points from Gryffindor, no reason." I think Harry would be angry, say something and give Snape a reason to take away more.

I do agree, there seems to be a rythme and reason to it, but I doubt there is any regulation on it. The magical communtiy seems to be very liberal in it's ideas of sef-governing, they probably don't have any rules about points.

I supose if Ron becomes Head Boy he can then dock points from Malfoy for being an evil git.

[Alz]

I think it is used as an instant reward and punishment scheme.
It is normal in UK schools to have points that cover a whole year - as in multiple classes but under the same house.
What it does is serve as a motivator and also an act of punishment - because everyone in that house feels the pride and pain as points are added and removed.
The process of administration of course is magical - as in when people with the correct authorisation make a call to add or remove points - the system adjusts - just like magic.
As I said above it acts as a way of showing action and consequence to young people - if you do well you are rewarded and others feel the riches - if you screw up other hate you for loosing the points - isn't it great :D