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During the reign of the Inquisitorial Squad, the members were given special permission to dock points from anyone they desired, even prefects. However, prefects had no authority to dock points from other prefects. However, this also showed why this form of discipline was so effective - peer pressure to behave.Īll teachers, prefects, and the Head Boy and Girl had the authority to dock House points from students. This form of punishment could seem a little unfair, as one student could drag the entire House down with them.
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As the House Cup competition was a sign of pride for each House, losing points would set them back from winning that pride. When a student had committed some minor mischief, they would usually lose House points.
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This was one of the most common forms of punishment in Hogwarts. The House point hourglasses, stationed in the Entrance Hall, represented the House points possessed by each house at any time " While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points." - Minerva McGonagall
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