Top Five Hedwig Moments
It has been over 21 years since the death of Hedwig, Harry Potter’s loyal feathered companion, and I don’t think anyone is really over her death. She was given to Harry on his 11th birthday, and from that day on, the two were practically inseparable. Even when Harry was far removed from Hogwarts and the wizarding world, it was Hedwig who kept the boy wizard company, whether by bringing mail or simply being someone Harry could talk to. After my annual reread of the series, I realized just how important Hedwig really is. In honor of this beloved pet, it is time to recap the top five moments throughout the life of everyone’s favorite snowy owl. Don’t forget to grab your tissues!
She Brought Harry Presents
Who could ever forget Harry’s 13th birthday when Hedwig, understanding that Harry likely would not receive gifts from his aunt and uncle, went out across Europe, looking for Harry’s friends? According to the letters Harry received, Hedwig would make quite a ruckus until Harry’s friends eventually wrote a note and attached a present. If that isn’t dedication, I don’t know what is. We all need a friend like that.
She Became Her Own Character
Over the course of the books, Hedwig develops her own personality. She was sassy and intelligent, often putting Harry in his place by giving him a quick nip. She was also the one living being that Harry could talk to at almost any time and never receive judgment. Okay, sure, it’s not like Hedwig could have spoken back in order to judge him anyway, but you get my point. She was his constant and sometimes-underappreciated companion.
She Was a Fancy Flyer
Hedwig’s number one job was always to oversee Harry’s mail. It was through her that Harry was able to communicate with people like Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. When the latter was in hiding, Hedwig always managed to find him and deliver the message. This is made more impressive by the fact that she was a snowy owl, a bright white bird in no way native to the area. Flying across the sky, she would have stuck out like a sore thumb. Undoubtedly, this means that Hedwig would have had to do some fancy maneuvers in order to avoid being caught. Of course, when Sirius suggested that they use a different bird for this exact reason, Hedwig had a few things to say on the matter.
She Was a Secret Rebel
In the same way that Hedwig managed to always care for Harry’s postal needs, Hedwig managed to carry out her own form of rebellion against Umbridge in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. When Umbridge took to catching owls in order to read their mail, Hedwig valiantly pushed past her injured wing and delivered the message to Harry right away, interrupting his History of Magic class. She was intelligent enough to find Harry in class and get his attention in order to deliver the letter before any more harm could come to it, heedless of her own injuries. In her own way, Hedwig was also a part of Dumbledore’s Army!
She Gave Her Life for Harry
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Hedwig didn’t die for Harry. She was killed in the crossfire,” and “How can you reopen this fresh wound? I need more tissues.” To the latter, I say, “I’m sorry, here are some more,” but as for the former comment, I really have to disagree. Hedwig may not have literally saved Harry’s life in the traditional sense, but there is something to be said about Hedwig’s constant presence, even in the Muggle world. She certainly provided the friendship and love he was missing, especially during the summer months. Furthermore, her death during the Battle of the Seven Potters represents Harry’s loss of innocence. Speaking of her death, Hedwig valiantly tried to fly along with Harry and Hagrid, protecting her owner. Plus, this fan theory suggests that Severus Snape, acting as a double agent, had to kill Hedwig so that she would not reveal who the real Harry was.
So what do you think? Do you believe Hedwig was a valuable character in the Harry Potter series or is she just another owl? Let us know in the comments!