Apropos of nothing - a random HP thought.

[ridicully]

Where does half the fandom get the impression that Harry is cheating by using a book with notes in it?

They are allowed to use their book while brewing and are supposed to have read up on the potion they are preparing in class.
And in written tests, I doubt they are allowed to use their books anyway, so the notes won't be any help to him there.
The only difference I see between Harry and a Ravenclaw (in this instance) is that the Ravenclaw would have made the notes himself - and probably not in the book, but on a spare bit of paper.

Having better reference material is rarely considered cheating. No matter how much of an advantage it gives you.

Comments

Re: here from the Snitch

[ryf.livejournal.com]

but American college students buy used books--often with highlights and notes in the margins--all the time.

German student here, but: Word! I used books with notes in in class and 50% of my grades in my last 3 years of education did come from class participation.

Re: here from the Snitch

[clare-dragonfly.livejournal.com]

I only said "American" because I can't vouch for other countries, being American myself ^.^