[HPforGrownups] OoP spoilers - Why I hate the prefect selection etc.

[Przemyslaw Plaskowicki]

No: HPFGUIDX 71872

On 7/20/2003 6:22 PM, Alia wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> I haven't been around for a while, and I'm typing this bit to avoid 
> any spoilers being seen by the one in a million who hasn't finished 
> the book... I've been away more than I've been home since before OoP 
> came out so please forgive mentioning anything that has already been 
> discussed - 
> 
> What the almighty heck was Dumbledore playing at making *RON* of all 
> people a prefect?!?!? When I was in school, prefects were chosen 
> based on a combination of things - popularity, sure, but more 
> importantly, marks, points (official or otherwise), and above all 
> *LEADERSHIP QUALITIES*.
> 
> Ok, so aside from the fact that prior to this book, JKR has always 
> implied that Harry was a better student than Ron, and it's clear he's 
> had more points than Ron - Ron has never shown anything like a 
> leadership quality.
> 
> No offence on Ron. He's a good guy sometimes - I still haven't 
> forgotten how easily he turned on his so-called best friend 
> in 'Goblet', but since their first year, by and large he's certainly 
> shown some bravery - but bravery when *following* Harry.
> 
> Ron is a follower. A follower is a dangerous person to give power to. 

Well, that is not exactly true. Firstly we were never informed by JKR 
who is exactly better in grades: Ron or Harry. Undoubtly Harry is better 
in DADA and Ron is better in potions (though mainly because of Snape's 
hatred of Harry). Let me quote OotP (chapter 9): "
Harry screwed up his face and buried it in his hands. He could not lie 
to himself; if he had known the prefect badge was on its way, he would 
have expected it to come to him, not Ron. Did this make him as arrogant 
as Draco Malfoy? Did he think himself superior to everyone else? Did he 
really believe he was better than Ron?
No, said the small voice defiantly.
Was that true? Harry wondered, anxiously probing his own feelings.
I'm better at Quidditch, said the voice. But I'm not better at anything 
else.That was definitely true, Harry thought; he was no better than Ron 
in lessons."
and later:
"But maybe, said the small voice fairly, maybe Dumbledore doesn't choose 
prefects because they've got themselves into a load of dangerous 
situations . . . maybe he chooses them for other reasons . . . Ron must 
have something you don't . . ."

Secondly there is "who else?" question: We know, from DD that he had 
chosen not to pick Harry, because he has enough problems -- and indeed 
he had. So which else 5th year male student could he select? Neville -- 
no, not before 5th year we could see great progress in him. Seamus or 
Dean -- since very little is known about their achievements?

Thirdly, exactly why prefects need leadership qualities? They don't 
lead, they are policing their fellow students. I belive that Ron for 
sure can do that (with the exception of his brothers).

Fourthly, you stated: "A follower is a dangerous person to give power 
to." That is a bit far fetched. I don't see Ron being a follower, and I 
don't see why following is bad. It's is rather who (or which morality) 
is being followed.

Regards,
Pshemekan
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