But, just in case our Hogwarts letters have been lost in the post for a few years, here are our top five magical pets we would love to take home, if anyone’s offering.

Pygmy Puff

Violently pink and purple Pygmy Puffs were bred by Fred and George Weasley in the books and ended up being a Hogwarts hit. And yes, we’re totally sure they went through the Ministry of Magic to get the appropriate breeding licence…

Bred as miniature versions of Puffskeins, Pygmy Puffs became something of a craze in the wizarding world. Sort of like Pokémon cards but fluffier. Ginny bought a purple Pygmy Puff and called him Arnold, for heaven’s sake. Hamsters and guinea pigs ain’t got nothing on these little balls of fun.

Hippogriff

Hippogriffs – such as our beloved Buckbeak – are half-horse, half-eagle creatures with razor-sharp beaks and foot-long talons. So if you are in the market for one, make sure you have a big backyard.

Sure, Hippogriffs are slightly more cumbersome than your average Pygmy Puff, but if you have earned their trust they are incredibly loyal animals with oodles of personality and the power of flight. Not to mention the fact they are adorably old-fashioned and will only befriend you if you bow politely. Such gentlemen!

Just don’t blink at them too much. Hippogriffs don’t trust people who blink too much…

Thestral

Although the great, black skeletal horses may not be as preferable as, say, a little pink-nosed kitten, they’d definitely be pretty useful companions. They may not be the most picturesque of pets, but unless you’ve witnessed death, a lot of people will most likely not know you had one at all anyway. But let’s not forget that Thestrals are also brilliant navigators, and can fly. Your taxi days are over. And you don’t even need Sat Nav. In Order of the Phoenix, all Harry has to do is simply say ‘Ministry of Magic, London’ and the bony fellows knew exactly where to go. Do Thestrals pop down to the Ministry often…?

Unicorn

We all know unicorns are fabulous, and have been galloping around European folklore for centuries.

In the wizarding world, as well as being gorgeous, unicorns are immensely useful. After all, unicorn hair and horn are often used in potions and wands, and a unicorn’s blood can save one an ‘inch’ from death. Pretty fantastic, especially if you’re Lord Voldemort. (By the way, if you are Lord Voldemort, how on earth are you reading this?) But when all is said and done, we wouldn’t want a unicorn for their magical properties anyway – we want one because they’re so adorable. Imagine a little golden unicorn foal gamboling around the house. You’d never get anything done.

Phoenix

It’s always a devastating time when any pet passes away, but with a phoenix, we wouldn’t run into that problem so much. Also, with their glorious gold and scarlet plumage, they’d make us look cooler just by hanging out with one. Not to mention the fact that phoenixes are graceful, seemingly wise, and cry tears containing healing powers. Phoenixes have everything going for them. And the whole ‘coming back to life’ aspect is very appealing. Think of how much money you’d save on vet bills.