The Alchemy of JK Rowling

Chapter 28 - Hedwig

When a seeker discovers that the purpose of life is not in this universe but in the original divine universe, he begins to long for that life as a hunted stag pants for the fresh, cool water of the flowing stream. The bud of the lily in his heart opens up and the stag courts her. From their union a new soul is born, a child who is destined to purify and cleanse the seeker’s whole miniature world of all that is earthly, finite, fallen, and not part of the original purpose.

Such a new soul, because it is divine, radiates a wondrous light, a magnificent lustre of ineffable beauty and purity. This is symbolised in Harry Potter by Hedwig, Harry’s faithful, loving and intelligent companion. Of course Hedwig could only be a brilliantly white snow owl, symbolising Harry’s inner purity. The fact alone that Harry has Hedwig is enough proof that Harry will be victorious over the accumulated evil in himself, personified by Voldemort.