Prefect system - brief notes

[Shaun Hately]

No: HPFGUIDX 70462

Comments would be appreciated.

Notes on possible Hogwarts prefect system

We have four houses. Each house has a total of six prefects.

Two prefects (one boy and one girl about to begin their Fifth Year) are 
appointed from each House. Under normal circumstances, they will remain 
Prefects for their three remaining years at Hogwarts. Therefore for each 
house there are two fifth year prefects, two sixth year prefects, and 
two seventh prefects.

Prefects are appointed by the Heads of House, and the decision is based 
on which students best exemplify the core value of that House (this 
would help to explain Draco Malfoy being a Prefect - his character 
aside, it seems reasonable that he may be the most ambitious student in 
the Slytherin Fifth Year). While the appointment is in the hands of the 
Head of House, the Headmaster or Headmistress of Hogwarts have some 
influence - perhaps they are merely consulted, perhaps they have an 
active veto power (which would explain why Dumbledore had an influence 
on the decision not to make Harry a Prefect). The fact that Ron and 
Hermione become Prefects may be a direct reflection of the fact that 
(excluding Harry) they have more opportunity than any other Gryffindor 
student to show their courage over the years - while I think most people 
expected Hermione to be a prefect, Ron is somewhat debated.

Each year, the Headmaster appoints a Head Boy and Head Girl for the 
entire school from among the ranks of all Seventh Year pupils. The 
selection criteria for these positions may be different from that of 
Prefects. It may involve a combination of factors - basic character, 
academic performance, leadership potential. The difference in criteria 
means that there is no certainty that the persons appointed will be 
Prefects - although it may well be unusual for a non-Prefect to be 
appointed (there may well be some overlap in the criteria).

Prefects powers include the ability to take points away from their own 
house - this would allow them some disciplinary powers, but guard 
against abuse of those powers, as they will be reluctant to penalize 
their own house too heavily. A system where they could take points from 
other houses would be open to serious abuse. They are also expected to 
assist teachers in keeping the school safe.

Privileges include the wearing of their distinctive badges, and the use 
of the Prefect's bathroom. More privileges and responsibilities may also 
exist.

Yours Without Wax, Dreadnought
Shaun Hately | www.alphalink.com.au/~drednort/thelab.html
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