What makes a Prefect (Used to be Harry et al Prefect)

[prefectmarcus at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 22039

Before deciding upon whether or not Harry, Seamus, Neville, Hermione, 
or anybody else is going to be prefect, we need to determine what the 
HOHs look for in choosing their prefects.

Here are some ideas:
(1) Good Marks.  Has to be a major requirement
(2) Leadership.  This, I believe, is a major point.  The Prefects and 
Head Boy/Girl are the student leaders.  They help run things.  They 
have to be able to provide leadership.  They have to interpert,
apply, and administer the rules, not merely enforce the rules.
(3) Diligence and Responsibility.  The Prefects can't be goof-offs.
(4) Works well with the HOH.  The Prefects are in effect deputy
HOH's.  They have to have the trust of the HOH.

I have a hard time believing the Prefects and Head Students are only 
the swotty goody-two-shoes.  They have to provide leadership, which 
does NOT necessarily go hand-in-hand with being a good student.  

So with the above points, I really believe Harry has the best shot of 
his year to become Boy Prefect.

As to plot points, I am certain Draco Malfoy is a shoo-in for 
Slytherin Prefect.  Most of his year follows his lead in everything, 
and Snape likes him.  (Don't know what affect his father being a 
re-activated Death Eater might have on that, though.)  I suspect it 
would really upset the balance of power if Draco is Prefect and Harry 
isn't.

Also, JKR needs Harry to get out more, to broaden his horizons. 
Being just a *normal* student is too confining, too limiting.  In
HP4, she made him a school champion.  He will be getting into more and
more dangerous stuff.  So he needs to be able to do that.  Being a 
Prefect will help.