Besides the reasons already mentioned, the standard Hogwarts letter in canon had restrictions on what kinds of animals were allowed as pets—owls (like Harry has), cats (like Hermione gets in PoA), and toads (like Neville’s). All three are stereotypical wizardy/witchy beasts.
The Weasley rat is not explained in canon but can be assumed to have been granted as an exception. A snake would probably not be given such an exception, as it might be used to scare other children.
Or perhaps snakes are disallowed because then the Gryffindors would ask to be allowed pet lions.
I read a crackfic once where this loophole allowed Calvin to bring Hobbes to Hogwarts. (Hobbes is, of course, a magical creature that Muggles perceive as a stuffed toy.)
Besides the reasons already mentioned, the standard Hogwarts letter in canon had restrictions on what kinds of animals were allowed as pets—owls (like Harry has), cats (like Hermione gets in PoA), and toads (like Neville’s). All three are stereotypical wizardy/witchy beasts.
The Weasley rat is not explained in canon but can be assumed to have been granted as an exception. A snake would probably not be given such an exception, as it might be used to scare other children.
Or perhaps snakes are disallowed because then the Gryffindors would ask to be allowed pet lions.
And you wouldn’t want an explicit rule against pet lions, because then the Gryffindors would definitely have secret pet lions.
...Lions are cats.
Hmm.
I read a crackfic once where this loophole allowed Calvin to bring Hobbes to Hogwarts. (Hobbes is, of course, a magical creature that Muggles perceive as a stuffed toy.)
...if it is not ( http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2134884/1/Calvin_and_Hobbes_go_to_Hogwarts ), then I would like a link to that fic, please.
I was talking about this one.
I am simultaneously dismayed and impressed that you two could be talking about two different such fanfics.