In the Harry Potter series, prefects are students who have been given extra authority and responsibilities by the Head of House and Headmaster. One male and one female student are chosen from each house in their fifth year to act as prefects, and would continue to be prefects in their sixth and seventh years until they left school. Thus, there are approximately six prefects per house, and twenty-four prefects in the whole school at one time.

Prefects have some special privileges, including the use of their own private bathroom and a separate car on the Hogwarts Express (although they spend part of the journey on the train policing the corridors). They also have the authority to take House points away from other students, and to give detentions.

Prefects are also expected to help the teachers and Head Boy/Girl to maintain order and discipline in the school. They patrol the corridors, break up fights, and report any rule-breaking to the teachers. They also help to organize activities and events, such as the Yule Ball.

Being a prefect is a prestigious position, and it is seen as a sign of good character and leadership. However, it can also be a lot of work, and prefects are often under a lot of pressure to live up to expectations.

Some notable prefects in the Harry Potter series include:

• Percy Weasley (Gryffindor)
• Draco Malfoy (Slytherin)
• Hermione Granger (Gryffindor)
• Ron Weasley (Gryffindor)
• Neville Longbottom (Gryffindor)

The prefect system is a way of giving older students more responsibility and leadership opportunities. It also helps to create a sense of community and belonging within the school.