Harry Potter is making magical creatures like rats popular

Next in the lesson about caring for magical creatures was an animal that can be purchased at pet stores throughout the country, even if they are not as conventional as having a cat or dog.

Though they are not rats in the metaphorical sense like the traitor Peter Pettigrew -- who transforms into Scabbers, Ron Weasley's hand-me-down pet in J.K. Rowling's books -- Jagot brought her three classroom rats, Oreo, Peanut and Stormy.

'Unlike owls, they are wonderful pets,' Jagot said before passing the spotted Oreo around the room for petting.

Though some may not like the idea of having a rat for a pet, Jacob said 'it doesn't bother me a bit.' As one of Jagot's students at Fairfield Elementary Magnet, he's grown accustomed to being around the rodents.

While a rat played a vital role in the third Potter film, the next lesson on the schedule at Sci-Warts will be prominently featured in the fourth film -- fire."

Rats a movie star!