The term “Boot brothers” refers primarily to the canonical character Terry Boot, a Ravenclaw student in Harry Potter's year, and his purported brother, Trevor Boot, who appeared in J.K. Rowling's early drafts but was not included in the final published novels. Terry Boot is the only member of the Boot family to appear in the seven-book series. He is a member of Dumbledore's Army and fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.
Terry Boot began his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in 1991 and was Sorted into Ravenclaw house. In his fifth year, Terry joined Dumbledore's Army, an organization founded and taught by Harry Potter to practice defensive magic against the wishes of the Ministry of Magic and Professor Dolores Umbridge. During the first meeting in the Hog's Head inn, Terry expressed keen interest in Harry's experiences, asking him what it felt like to produce a corporeal Patronus and to face Lord Voldemort. He was also present for Harry's discussion about seeing Thestrals for the first time, confirming that he, too, could see the skeletal winged horses. During his sixth year, while aboard the Hogwarts Express, Terry had a confrontation with the Slytherin student Nott, which resulted in Terry getting a bleeding nose. In his seventh year, with Hogwarts under the control of the Death Eaters, Terry was part of the reconstituted Dumbledore's Army led by Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, and Luna Lovegood. He fought bravely in the Battle of Hogwarts, where he was seen helping his fellow student Padma Patil in the Room of Requirement just before the final confrontation began.
Terry Boot is described in the novels as having a “prominent nose.” As a Ravenclaw, he embodies the house's traits of intelligence and curiosity. His questions during the first Dumbledore's Army meeting show an analytical and inquisitive mind, eager to understand the deeper aspects of powerful magic and significant events. His continued membership in the D.A. and his participation in the Battle of Hogwarts demonstrate his loyalty and courage.
As a dedicated member of Dumbledore's Army, Terry Boot learned a variety of defensive spells from Harry Potter, including charms, jinxes, and counter-curses. His ability to hold his own during the Battle of Hogwarts indicates a competent level of magical skill. No specific signature spells are attributed to him in the novels.
Terry Boot was good friends with fellow Ravenclaws Michael Corner and Anthony Goldstein, and he was a loyal member of Dumbledore's Army alongside students from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. His altercation with Nott on the Hogwarts Express suggests a clear opposition to Slytherin students who aligned themselves with the Death Eaters.
The concept of the “Boot brothers” arises from an early, pre-publication list of students handwritten by J.K. Rowling. On this list, known as “The Original Forty,” two students with the surname Boot are present:
While Terry was included in the final manuscript of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the character of Trevor was cut and does not appear in the published series. Therefore, Trevor Boot is not considered part of the official book canon. (J.K. Rowling's early notes). Additionally, some early American editions of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone contained a typographical error, listing “Larry Boot” instead of “Terry Boot” during the Sorting Ceremony. This was corrected in later printings.