Ron as prefect?

[Amey Chinchorkar]

No: HPFGUIDX 105819

>> sad1199
>>  have a question that has probably already been posted. If so, 
>> please direct me... Question is, what qualities does Ron possess to 
>> make him a prefect? Unless Dumbledore chose him to help protect 
>> Harry in the future, I would think that his ordinary grades and lack 
>> of leadership would eliminate him from the process. One would think 
>> Seamus or Dean would be better prefect material than Ron.

Amey:
Sorry to jump in a bit late, but couldn't get time earlier.

Let's see what all qualities we have been shown directly and indirectly:
1. He is a very good strategist, producing the best game of chess Hogwarts has ever seen (Makes you wonder how many games of chess like this Hogwarts has really seen, doesn't it? OOps, OT)
2. Loyal to his friends, to the extent of sacrificing himself
3. Going into any danger with friend

His grades even if not Hermionisc, must be at least avarage like Harry's. Also, all other boys in Gryffindor maybe except Neville are pretty ordinary (at least from what we see).
We have also seen his 'keeping in quiddich, once he has saved one goal, he saves all that comes his way. That is Ron in a nutshell for me. He starts late, will not believe in himself (it takes Harry or Hermione to make him do that), but once he has started, he has the materail to succeed.
Dumbledore couldn't make Harry prefect for the reason he gave us. But he made his best friend prefect making sure that there is some authority figure with Harry ( I mean to keep an eye on him). Hermione is not going to be there with him always. Also, he might be able to control the rule-breaking streak in Harry sometimes. (He will be about as successful in that as Remus was with James and Sirius... which is more than enough for Dumbledore). He is also one person who hasn't his nose in at rulebook (Hermione has changed there also, I agree).
Also, making Ron prefect balances making Draco prefect in that, Ron will surely counter the injustice Draco is sure to commit more than Hermione. Also, making him a prefect, and keeping him on the same level as Draco will also help him counter Draco's taunts. (Though I am not saying this is one of the reasons, but it will also help). In OOtP, it doesn't help because Umbridge is there to tilt the balance in Draco's favour, but in HBP things will be different and better for Ron.

>> Del replies :
>> I think that's 2 of his brothers who were Head Boys : Bill and Percy.
>> And as many of us on this site have noticed, Ron belongs to the same
>> sub-group of Weasley brothers, at least physically if not mentally.
>> Maybe DD saw that too, and figured that Ron could become Head Boy,
>> just like his brothers.

Amey:
HBP anyone? Well, at least he has the necessary family traits. And now that he is out of shadow of his brothers, he will be better off and will be a very good prefect.
As for HeadBoy, I won't say anything till we know finally, as Harry is also heading that way. I am sure Ron has grown up and there won't be any bad blood between them even if Hary becomes Head Boy. (Head Boy Potter, oops.. I did it again..) 
 

>> Jim: "Hermione wasn't issued to Ron, agreed, but neither was she
>> issued to Harry. What I meant was that Ron is always second-best to
>> Harry : Harry's got the money, the fame (even if he doesn't want it),
>> the talent, the better looks, and he was supposed to get the Prefect
>> badge. But Ron doesn't care most of the time, because he's such a
>> loyal friend.

Amey:
I am sorry to take this quote a bit out of context. But I feel this also might be one more reason. Taking Ron out of Harry's shadow. As a prefect, he will be able to control Harry somewhat, when he has got some sense of Responsibilty. Also, he will be out of the feeling of being second-best, which will help him look at their friendship at more equal terms. Dumbledore might be sure Harry is always going to be first in the group, but he wants to say that Ron is not a distant second, not just a sidekick, but he is also something in his own right. This is going to help Ron a lot. After all, Dumbledore is headmaster, not just a wizard fighting LV (with Harry as his main weapon). He is taking care of over all development of all his pupils. (Remember Neville's parents, he tells Harry not to tell anybody else till Neville is ready). 

All in all, what I feel is that, Ron is made prefect not for being exceptional, but for what he is, and more for what it will make him. I am sure we are going to see a more mature and confident Ron (just like Neville) in HBP. (Wonder if he dares to propose Hermione in any way...)

Amey, who is rolling on ground laughing, imagining Ron proposing Hermione first time they meet in HBP



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