It depended on the teacher. I kept getting sent to the councilors because I had problems with authority. I never blew anything up, or did any physical damage, but I never was one for the infallibility of teachers, and if I thought one was wrong, I told them so. Surprisingly, a lot of my teachers thought this was GREAT. Strange people, teachers...

No, I agree, blowing up essays is just uncalled for. Sweat and blood goes into those things. But Harry didn't blow them up, and he feels duty bound to keep his girlfriend from getting expelled. Mind, he feels very uncomfortable about protecting her, and he doesn't want to redo his essay much either. I think he's starting to feel for Lily and Remus.