How Old is Katie Bell?

[Arya]

No: HPFGUIDX 80876

So, in yet another reread of OotP, I find yet another little truffle of canon fodder 
for snacking (give me a break, here--it's nearly time for dinner and I'm hungry).

On US p. 575 of OotP, Ginny says, "...I think I'll try out for chaser. Angelina and 
Alicia are both leaving nexy year..."  Ginny never mentions Katie leaving next 
year.  

Now I had been under the impression, as I believe many were, that the three 
chasers were all 7th years in OotP.  Even the Lexicon lists her as the same 
year as Alicia and Angelina.

Also, I went back to SS/PS to read about the team.  Since we heard what a stir 
it caused when a 1st year (Harry) made the team, then I might think a second 
year (also a rookie with Harry, then) might be noteworthy.  In PS/SS Chapter 
11, we read about the first Quidditch match and the chasers are mentioned 
here first.  

In US paperback version p180, we see Jordon announcing:  "...pass to Alicia 
Spinnet, a good find of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve--....."  and this 
tells us exactly all about Alicia.  She was a reserve in her 2nd year and now a 
full player in her 3rd year.    Later in the game, Lee announces Katie first as: 
"...Gryffindors take the Quaffle--that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, 
nice dive..." which *may* seem like she could be new if--*if* it weren't the 
same way that Angelina was:  "...by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor--what an 
excellent chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too--...."

So, what I mean to say, is that I would imagine that in SS/PS, there would be 
some mention of another young prodigy on the team (such as a second year) 
and anyone playing their first game (such as Harry and Alicia).  

Also, some more circumstantial evidence of her being in the same year as 
Alicia and Angelina is that when the kids go to the Hogs Head, those three 
girls arrive together.  Also, I might think if Angelina were a 7th year and Katie 
a 6th year, then McGonagall should have picked the younger one (Katie) as a 
captiain just because she would be around another year--yes I know, this 
means she really should have picked harry, then but she may not have picked 
him for the same reasons Dumbledore passed him over as a prefect.  I also 
know, it's a different story if there is a clear-cut better leader or strategizer 
between Katie and Angelina.)  

Anywho.........Anyone have any real strong ideas on how old Katie is and if 
we'll see her at Hogwarts next year??

Arya

Of course, it is still possible that JKR did originally think of all three girls as the 
same year, but now, in OotP, has a reason to keep Katie Bell around for 
another year.