The most famous pets of the Wizarding World: from those who could barely protect themselves to those who could take out small armies.

10. Scabbers, Ron’s Ratty Rat

The most morally questionable pet in the entire series, Scabbers was notoriously a treacherous Death Eater Animagus. Staying hidden for a dozen years, he played the part of the Weasley family rat and even slept with Ron! He still made it to our list, though, since he can unwillingly sacrifice himself for your survival thanks to his dark master’s crooked charms. Or he can kill innocent people. It’s 50/50, really.

9. Crookshanks, Hermione’s Half-Cat

The deadliest enemy of Scabbers aka Peter Pettigrew, Crookshanks was Hermione’s favorite and admittedly really ugly cat — or, more precisely, half-Kneazle. He didn’t play any major part in the series but we still think he deserves some credit on this list: after all, not every cat is capable of making a Death Eater’s life a living hell and repeatedly trying to kill him. Crookshanks was Hermione’s best bodyguard.

8. Fang, Hagrid’s Boarhound

The favorite doggo of the Hogwarts groundskeeper, Fang had an appearance fitting for his name. The huge boarhound was enough to scare most people, but in reality, neither his name nor form reflected his personality. Fang was incredibly social, often playing with other animals and always happy to see the Golden Trio. The boarhound was, according to Hagrid, “a bloody coward,” but protective of his friends.

7. Mrs. Norris, Filch’s Cat

Another ridiculously loyal and overprotective cat, Mrs. Norris has always stuck around her owner Argus Filch, the Hogwarts caretaker. Highly intelligent, this cat patrolled the halls and corridors of the castle on her own and could notify Filch about any trespassers and wrongdoers in no time, almost as if teleporting around Hogwarts. For her devotion and extreme intellect, Mrs. Norris deserves ranking high.

6. Hedwig, Harry’s Snowy Owl

Rubeus Hagrid’s gift to young Harry Potter, Hedwig quickly became one of his best friends. The smart and loyal owl had quite a temper, and apart from delivering Harry’s mail, she could also torment Ron and Hermione on his orders and give The Chosen One the silent treatment when he was wrong. Hedwig fought for Harry until the end, and her death during the Battle of the Seven Potters was heartbreaking.

5. Buckbeak, Sirius’s Hippogriff

Buckbeak first appears when Hagrid decides that Hippogriffs are great to show to third-year students: he befriends Harry and “maims” Draco for being rude to him. This alone shows Buckbeak’s high intelligence, and his later helping to save Sirius Black from the Dementor’s Kiss and taking him away support that claim. Buckbeak was smart, dangerous, and intelligent, and a great pet friend for any polite wizard.

4. Nagini, Voldemort’s Snake

Nagini could have easily been at the top of this ranking, if we’re being honest. Extremely smart, she understood strategies and plans, could set up traps, and overall was the perfect attack snake. She also was a host for Voldemort’s Horcrux and his loyal companion. However, Nagini’s strengths and bizarre intelligence are due to the fact that she was a person (a Maledictus), so she stays as number four.

3. Aragog, Hagrid’s Acromantula

Now we’re getting into the real heavy-hitters. Once cared for by young Rubeus Hagrid, Aragog was what every spider aspires to become and never can: an Acromantula. These massive sentient human-eating spiders are dangerous, strong, and plentiful — and Aragog was the leader of the Forbidden Forest “tribe.” He held a lot of power in his… Legs, and he would’ve been a really valuable ally to anyone.

2. Fawkes, Dumbledore’s Phoenix

A pet that doesn’t ever die sounds like a dream, but Fawkes was more than a pet. To Albus Dumbledore, he was an invaluable ally, especially due to his unique qualities. Extremely intelligent, Fawkes was capable of healing most wounds, carrying immense weights and carrying people through air, and protecting his master. He also didn’t fear fire and, well, death, making him one of the best “pets” you could get.

1. Serpent of Slytherin, Voldemort’s Basilisk

Another big snake that stuck to Lord Voldemort — or, rather, Tom Riddle — was the notorious Serpent of Slytherin. The beast was something of a myth but quickly proved very real. It was a miracle that it didn’t take out anyone in Hogwarts: between its killing gaze, huge fangs, and powerful body, the giant snake could easily kill anyone. Add to that its intelligence, ability to communicate, and loyalty to those who carry the blood of Slythetin in their veins, and you have yourself the ultimate weapon.