======Katie Bell======
=====Introduction=====
Katie Bell was a [[witch]] and a [[Gryffindor]] student at [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], one year above [[Harry Potter]]. She is best known for her long-standing role as a [[Chaser]] on the [[Gryffindor Quidditch team]]. Katie was a loyal member of [[Dumbledore's Army]] and fought in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]. Her most significant role in the series occurs during her seventh year when she becomes an unfortunate victim of a cursed [[Opal Necklace]] intended for [[Albus Dumbledore]], an event that highlights the growing danger within [[Hogwarts]] during the [[Second Wizarding War]].
=====Biography=====
Katie Bell began her education at [[Hogwarts]] in 1989 and was sorted into [[Gryffindor]] House.
Her time at [[Hogwarts]] is largely defined by her involvement with the [[Gryffindor Quidditch team]].
  * **1991–1992:** As a second-year student, Katie successfully tried out for the [[Gryffindor Quidditch team]], joining [[Angelina Johnson]] and [[Alicia Spinnet]] to form a highly effective trio of [[Chaser]]s. She played in the first match of the season against [[Slytherin]], where [[Harry Potter]] made his debut as [[Seeker]].
  * **1992–1993:** The [[Quidditch Cup]] was cancelled due to the attacks on students after the opening of the [[Chamber of Secrets]].
  * **1993–1994:** Katie was part of the team, captained by [[Oliver Wood]], that finally won the [[Quidditch Cup]] for [[Gryffindor]] for the first time in nearly a decade.
  * **1995–1996:** During her sixth year, with [[Hogwarts]] under the control of High Inquisitor [[Dolores Umbridge]], Katie joined [[Dumbledore's Army]] to learn practical defensive magic from Harry. She continued to play as a [[Chaser]] on the [[Quidditch]] team, which struggled after Harry, [[Fred Weasley]], and [[George Weasley]] were banned by [[Umbridge]].
  * **1996–1997:** In her seventh and final year, Katie was the last remaining member of the original [[Chaser]] lineup that Harry had joined in his first year. After a [[Quidditch]] tryout, she retained her position under Harry's captaincy. During a trip to [[Hogsmeade]], Katie was placed under the [[Imperius Curse]] by [[Madam Rosmerta]] (who was herself controlled by [[Draco Malfoy]]). She was given a cursed [[Opal Necklace]] to deliver to [[Albus Dumbledore]]. However, the package tore, and her skin made contact with the necklace. She was immediately afflicted by a powerful [[Dark Magic]] [[curse]] and levitated into the air, screaming in agony. She was saved from death by the quick actions of her friends but was sent to [[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]], where she remained for several months. She was replaced on the team by [[Dean Thomas]]. Katie eventually recovered and returned to [[Hogwarts]] in time to play in the final [[Quidditch]] match against [[Ravenclaw]], helping [[Gryffindor]] secure the [[Quidditch Cup]]. She had no memory of her attacker, only that she had argued with someone in the ladies' bathroom at the [[Three Broomsticks]].
After graduating from [[Hogwarts]], Katie returned on 2 May 1998, along with other members of [[Dumbledore's Army]], to fight against [[Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eater]]s in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
The novels describe Katie Bell as having **long brown hair**. She is portrayed as a loyal, brave, and good-natured individual. Her dedication is evident through her seven-year commitment to the [[Gryffindor Quidditch team]]. She showed immense courage by joining [[Dumbledore's Army]] in defiance of [[Dolores Umbridge]] and by returning to fight in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]]. She was a good sport and a supportive teammate, even after the terrifying experience of being cursed.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **Quidditch:** Katie was a highly skilled and experienced [[Quidditch]] player. As a [[Chaser]], she was known for her excellent coordination with [[Angelina Johnson]] and [[Alicia Spinnet]], and she was a key offensive player for the [[Gryffindor]] team throughout her seven years at school.
  * **Defensive Magic:** As a member of [[Dumbledore's Army]], Katie learned and became proficient in a range of defensive spells beyond the standard school curriculum, including the [[Stunning Spell]] and the [[Disarming Charm]]. She presumably learned to cast a [[Patronus Charm]], though its form is unknown.
  * **Duelling:** Her survival in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] suggests she possessed competent duelling skills, able to hold her own against [[Death Eater]]s.
=====Possessions=====
  * **Wand:** The specifics of Katie's [[wand]], such as its wood, core, and length, are unknown.
  * **Broomstick:** As a long-serving member of the [[Gryffindor Quidditch team]], she owned at least one [[broomstick]] of good quality, though the model is never mentioned in the books.
=====Relationships=====
Katie was close friends with her fellow [[Chaser]]s, [[Angelina Johnson]] and [[Alicia Spinnet]], forming a strong bond both on and off the [[Quidditch]] pitch. She was also friends with [[Oliver Wood]], [[Harry Potter]], and other members of the [[Quidditch]] team. Her friend, [[Leanne]], was with her during the incident with the cursed necklace and was deeply distressed by the event, showing their close relationship. As a member of [[Dumbledore's Army]], she was a loyal supporter of Harry and [[Albus Dumbledore]].
=====Etymology=====
  * **Katie:** A diminutive form of Katherine, derived from the Greek name //Aikaterine//, which is traditionally associated with the word //katharos//, meaning "pure." This may reflect her generally innocent and good-natured character, making her a particularly tragic victim of [[Draco Malfoy]]'s dark plot.
  * **Bell:** An English surname. A bell is often used as a warning or an alarm. The attack on Katie served as a loud, clear "alarm bell" to the [[Hogwarts]] staff and the [[Order of the Phoenix]] that their security had been breached and an attempt had been made on [[Dumbledore]]'s life.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
In the film adaptations of the //Harry Potter// series, the role of Katie Bell was played by two different actresses.
  * Emily Dale portrayed Katie in //Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone// and //Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets//, though her appearance in the second film was uncredited. (film)
  * Georgina Leonidas took over the role for //Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince// and //Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2//. Leonidas's portrayal is more prominent due to the significance of the cursed necklace plot in the sixth film. (film)