- "Neither of his chosen Beaters had the old brilliance of Fred and George, but he was still reasonably pleased with them: Jimmy Peakes, a short but broad-chested third-year boy who had managed to raise a lump the size of an egg on the back of Harry's head with a ferociously hit Bludger, and Ritchie Coote, who looked weedy but aimed well."
- — Harry Potter's assessment of the new Gryffindor Beaters[src]
Ritchie Coote (fl. 1985-1997) was a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the 1990s. He was chosen by Harry Potter to be one of the new Beaters for the 1996-1997 Gryffindor Quidditch team. Together with Jimmy Peakes, he replaced Jack Sloper and Andrew Kirke.[3]
It is unknown if Ritchie was present for the battle or if he was too young to stay in combat.
Biography[]
Hogwarts years[]
Early years[]
Ritchie was educated at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and upon his arrival was sorted into the Gryffindor House. Ritchie was a fair player at Quidditch and played best in the position of Beater.[3] Ritchie had not tried out for the Quidditch team as there was few open positions.
1996-1997 school year[]
- "The Beaters, Peakes and Coote, were getting better all the time."
- — Harry Potter regarding the Gryffindor team's improving skill[src]
Ritchie during Quidditch tryouts
In 1996, after the departure of Fred and George Weasley, Ritchie Coote along with Jimmy Peakes replaced them as the new beaters for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. According to Harry Potter, neither of the two lived up to the shadow that the Weasley twins had left them, but they played well enough and managed to stay on the team throughout the 1996-1997 Quidditch season.[3]
It was mentioned by Hermione Granger that he and Peakes apparently caught Harry after he was knocked out by a Bludger to the head that Cormac McLaggen accidently hit him with.[3] At the end of this year, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was murdered by Severus Snape.
1997-1998 school year[]
Not being in Harry Potter's year and the 1997–1998 school year being Harry's final year of education meant that Ritchie would also be returning to continue his education at Hogwarts in 1997 after the death of former Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. With Dumbledore dead the school was to be taken over by Minerva McGonagall but with Lord Voldemort's rise to power Severus Snape took to the position.
Physical description[]
It was said that Coote did not have the "old brilliance" of Fred and George (whom he and fellow new Beater Jimmy Peakes replaced) and he "looked weedy", but he did aim well.[3]
Magical abilities and skills[]
- Flying: Coote was shown to be a skilled Quidditch player, as he was chosen to play as Beater on the Gryffindor Quidditch team in 1996. He was said to aim well whilst playing.[3]
Etymology[]
Taken from pety coote, "a small coat," from petty + coat. Originally a padded coat worn by men under armour. May reference to the character's place originally being filled by Fred/George Weasley and now filled by a new man in armour (Quidditch Uniform).
Behind the scenes[]
- Ritchie Coote was portrayed in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by Ashley Virgil.
- In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Ritchie Coote is shown wearing jersey number 3 during a Quidditch match, but wears a tunic with number 1 for the try-outs.
Appearances[]
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ Minerva McGonagall stated that first years usually don´t participate in Quidditch matches.
- ↑ "World Exclusive Interview with J K Rowling," South West News Service, 8 July 2000 - "Hogwarts just serves Britain and Ireland."
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 11 (Hermione's Helping Hand)
