Ritchie Coote

Ritchie Coote was a student at Hogwarts School 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 the Weasley twins in their position as Beaters.

Early years
Ritchie was educated at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and apon his arrival was sorted into the Gryffindor House. Ritchie was a fair player at Quidditch and played best in the position of Beater. Ritchie had not tried out for the Quidditch team as there was few open positions.



1996-1997 school year
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. 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 my Minerva McGonagall but with Lord Voldemort's rise to power Severus Snape took to the position.

Battle of Hogwarts
In last few months of the school year the Second Wizarding War came to a close with the Battle of Hogwarts. Lord Voldemort and his Death Eater army invaded the castle and a battle broke out to defend it and protect Harry Potter. The castle was almost completely destroyed and there were many casualties. It is unknown if Ritchie was present for the battle or if he was too young to stay in combat.

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.

Ritchie Coote has frizzy dark brown hair and light brown skin, with brown eyes. He is also quite tall, similar in height to Ron Weasley.

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
 * Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
 * Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)

Notes and references
Ritchie Coote