Madam Rolanda Hooch is the Flying instructor and Quidditch referee at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Known for her sharp, hawk-like eyes and a strict, no-nonsense demeanor, she is responsible for teaching first-year students the basics of flying on a broomstick. As the official arbiter of school Quidditch matches, she is a staunch advocate for fair play and has little tolerance for rule-breaking. Her first name, Rolanda, was revealed on the Pottermore website (Pottermore).
Madam Hooch's role in the series is primarily centered around her duties at Hogwarts. During Harry Potter's first-ever Flying lesson, she demonstrated a firm but competent teaching style. When Neville Longbottom lost control of his broom and broke his wrist, she escorted him to the Hospital Wing, forbidding any student from flying in her absence. This command was defied by Harry and Draco Malfoy, leading to Harry's discovery as a natural Seeker by Professor McGonagall. As the Quidditch referee, Madam Hooch officiated many of Gryffindor's most significant matches. During Harry's first game, she was an impartial observer to the chaos caused by Professor Quirrell jinxing Harry's Nimbus 2000, though Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley initially suspected Professor Snape. She refereed the match in Harry's second year where a rogue Bludger, bewitched by Dobby, relentlessly pursued Harry. In his third year, she was present during the match against Hufflepuff when Dementors swarmed the pitch, causing Harry to fall from his broom. Madam Hooch was among the Hogwarts staff who remained to fight during the Battle of Hogwarts, demonstrating her loyalty to the school and its students in the final confrontation against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
Madam Hooch is described as having short, grey, spiky hair and piercing, yellow eyes like a hawk. This physical trait complements her sharp and observant personality, which is essential for refereeing fast-paced Quidditch matches. She is exceptionally strict and demands discipline from her students. She has a zero-tolerance policy for cheating and foul play, often penalizing players without hesitation. Despite her stern exterior, she is not unfair. She respects genuine talent, as evidenced by her professional, though not overly warm, interactions with skilled players like Harry. Her primary concerns are always the safety of the players and the integrity of the game.
Madam Hooch maintains a professional relationship with her students and colleagues. She interacts frequently with Quidditch captains, such as Oliver Wood, Angelina Johnson, and Roger Davies, to ensure matches are conducted properly. While she respects Harry Potter's innate flying ability, she offers him no special treatment on the pitch. She works alongside other staff members like Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore and appears to respect the Hogwarts command structure.
The surname “Hooch” is a slang term for cheap or illicitly produced alcoholic spirits. While the name does not have a clear magical meaning, it has an old-fashioned, slightly gruff sound that fits her character's personality. It might also be a subtle play on the word “high,” relating to her role as a flying instructor.