[HPforGrownups] Speculative analysis on the trio as prefects

[Penny & Bryce]

No: HPFGUIDX 27736

Hi --

Luke strikes with yet another great analysis -- thanks Luke!


> 
> I am also not trying to pass much judgment on which possibility would
> be the "best" for JKR to employ, although I do have opinions along
> these lines.  It also depends greatly on whether it is JKR's intention
> to make the prefect situation a source of conflict and growth,
> pure humor, or just a "fact" as part of the new year to be afterward
> relatively ignored in consequence (at least consequences for the
> trio's relationship).

I think this is the key component that we can't know -- what her 
authorial intentions are.  It seems to me that it might depend on how 
much of the plot action is going to take place at Hogwarts, how time of 
the narrative will comprise a more-or-less typical Hogwarts school year. 
If the school year becomes atypical (say, for example, if most or all of 
the Slytherins don't return to Hogwarts), the prefect appointments may 
not be all that important.  In that case, it may be more just "factual" 
information than a source of conflict or even humor.  Just one more 
thing we can be very curious about (conflict, humor or just fact).

> 
> 1) Hermione becomes a prefect, Harry and Ron do not
> 
> In my opinion, the easy way out--the situation with the least
> conflict.

Agreed.  It does, however, give us the most potential to perhaps learn 
more about Dean, Neville or Seamus though.


> 4) Harry and Hermione become prefects, Ron does not
> 
I agree with Barb that this scenario may be the combination with the 
greatest likelihood.  I also cannot buy Ron being named a prefect & 
Harry not being named one.  There's no basis for that particular choice 
as best I can see.  I also can't really see the scenario where Harry is 
a prefect & Hermione isn't one.  It seems to me that if Hermione *isn't* 
a prefect, then there's almost certainty that neither Harry nor Ron is 
either.

> 
> 8) None of the trio become prefects
> 
> Hermione will still have to deal with a strong sense of
> disappointment that she was not chosen.  Although Harry and Ron were
> also not chosen, this will prove very little consolation to her,
> although their additional support (as opposed to just shared
> circumstances) may be more helpful and readily accepted.

This seems somewhat likely to me also though, but I don't agree that 
Hermione will not find consolation in the fact that neither boy was 
chosen.  I think she would probably assume that her close association 
with them affected her selection.  Will this make her angry?  I'm not 
sure -- there's been no mention of any specific longing to be a prefect 
(although Hermione does admire authority figures certainly so it can be 
inferred that this would be an honor she would like).

As for Draco -- I assume he will be a prefect *if* he & the other 
Slytherins return to Hogwarts next year.  In my mind, this is not a 
foregone conclusion.  Will the DEs want their children returning to the 
tutelage of Dumbledore & all he represents?  I'm anxious to see how this 
aspect of the upcoming conflict will play out.

Penny