Hedwig (Harry Potter)
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Hedwig is the name of Harry Potter's owl in the fictional Harry Potter series of books and films.
Hedwig is a gift to Harry from Hagrid in the first book of the series, purchased in Diagon Alley while shopping for supplies for Harry's first year at Hogwarts. In the series, owls are used by witches and wizards primarily as message and package couriers (though rats, toads and cats are also acceptable for this purpose), so Hedwig is used for messages throughout the series. Keeping Hedwig at home during summer break continues to be just one more area of conflict between Harry and his Muggle guardian aunt and uncle.
Harry seems connected to Hedwig, as a usual pet owner would be. In fact, during the fifth book in the series, Harry becomes sorry at being irritable with her, and also is with her when lonely.
In Book 5, Hedwig is injured while carrying a message between Harry and Sirius Black. It was never clearly stated as to what exactly was responsible for the attack on Hedwig, but Dolores Umbridge was suspected later in the book when she began inspecting incoming and outgoing letters.
Hedwig could be considered an owl with a 'formal' personality, somewhat distainful of Pigwidgeon's hyperactive bumbling and the flashy tropical birds sent by Sirius Black at one time. She also has a habit of staring/hooting "reproachfully", cuffing Harry with a wing when miffed (which is rather often), and being far more vocal than the average Snowy Owl.