JKR should have checked the Lexicon, was Ron as prefect

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 106002

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "pippin_999" <foxmoth at q...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Amanda Geist" 
> <editor at t...> wrote:
> > A quick note from a list L.O.O.N., ...
> <snip>
> > You know, JKR should probably have nipped into an internet 
> > cafe and checked the book before she wrote that comment. Because 
> >in the book, it is not only Ron, but also Ernie MacMillan and 
> >Hermione having the conversation with Draco, where outrage and 
> >disbelief are  expressed that Draco, prefect, is docking points.<
> > 

> Pippin:
> 
> Speculation:
> ... Let's say that, technically, prefects were allowed to dock 
> points, but by the time of our story this has fallen into disfavor 
> and subsequently been forgotten.  Rules-mad Percy is keen 
> enough on his duties to discover this forgotten privilege and try to 
> implement it ...)
> 
> It doesn't catch on--in fact the senior Gryffindor prefects  are 
> horrified as they  imagine what the Slytherin prefects would do 
> with the ability to dock points if they knew they had it and they 
> prevail on Percy not to do it again.
> 
> 
> If Umbridge could change the rules to allow the Inquisitorial 
> Squad to deduct points, she also could change them so that 
> prefects can't. Hermione knows this and stays silent. ...
> 
> Pippin

Asian_lovr2:

I posted on this too last night, although, no responses yet. No point
in repeating myself but I will post the quote from the book.

Date:  Tue Jul 13, 2004  1:26 am
Subject:  Re: Ron as prefect? JKR's Big Mistake -Interview
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/105951

--- Quote - OotP - Am Ed Hb pg 625-626 ---
'Afraid I'm going to have to dock a few points from Gryffindor and
Hufflepuff,' he (Draco) drawled.

'It's only teachers who can dock points from Houses, Malfoy,' said
Ernie at once.[<---ERNIE!]

'Yeah, we're prefects, too, remember?' snarled Ron.

'I know prefects can't dock points, Weasel King,' sneered Malfoy.
Crabbe and Goyle sniggered. 'But members of the Inquisitorial Squad -'

[note: Ernie says Prefects can't and Draco confirms it.]

`The what?' said Hermione sharply.

[note: Hermione does not contradict Draco on the issue of Prefect
taking points.]

'The Inquisitorial Squad, Granger,' said Malfoy, pointing towards a
tiny silver 'I' on his robes just beneath his prefect's badge.
'...edited... Draco docking specific points....'.

Ron pulled out his wand, but Hermione pushed it away, whispering, 'Don't!'

'Wise move, Granger,' breathed Malfoy. 'New Head, new times

 be good now, Potty
 Weasel King
'

Laughing heartily, he strode away with Crabbe and Goyle.

'He was bluffing,' said Ernie, looking appalled. 'He can't be allowed
to dock points... that would be ridiculous... it would completely
undermine the prefect system.'

[Again, Ernie confirms that Prefects can't take points.]

- - - End quote - - -


Ernie indeed says that '...only teachers can dock points from Houses...'.

Draco confirms this, 'I know prefects can't dock points...'.

Ron implies confirmation, '...we're prefects, too...'.

Hermione responds with 'What?' with regard to the 'Inquisitorial
Squad', so she is obvious not aware of any changes Umbridge may have
made, and she doesn't challange either Ernie or Draco on the point.

The scene ends with Ernie restating that Prefect can't dock points,
'He can't be allowed to dock points... ...it would completely
undermine the prefect system'.

When it is stated and implied by several characters, it becomes
difficult to dispute. JKR statements are equally difficult to accept
when she attributes the reference to the wrong person. Ron only
implies agreement, but Ernie and Draco say it flat out, and Hermione
doesn't disagree with them. 

When docking points has been discussed in the past, several people
suggested that Prefects can only dock points from their own House,
that prevents them from abusing their power the way Draco does. 

This could be extended by speculating that a Prefect could take their
case to their own Head of House or the Head of another House if they
felt points should be dock from a House other than their own.

However, it seems very logical that Prefect would be able to dock
points. Docking points seems a far less harsh and more incremental
punishment than Detention, and it seems that most detentions are
supervised by teachers. Teachers certainly wouldn't want that
additional burden, so point docking would seem to be the ideal power
to give Prefects to control their Houses.

As pointed out in my other post, interviews and chats should be
considered 'canon-ish' since they really don't allow room for an
on-going dialog. If the person who asked JKR the original question had
been allowed to ask follow up questions and ask for clarification,
they way you can in regular conversation, we probably wouldn't be
having this discussion.

Conclusion; JKR is wrong.

For what it's worth.

Steve/asian_lovr2