Whenever the Dursleys shut Harry in his room, locked him in there for days on end, starved him or neglected him he was never alone. Hedwig was always there by his side protecting him, comforting him, offering him peace and being there through thick and thin. No matter what happened, Harry could always depend on the beautiful snowy owl to be right there beside him, watching and waiting for him. She was Harry's source of comfort through those long weeks in the summer holidays, she was Harry's friend; the one being in the Muggle world whom he could turn to. In many ways she was like a Muggle child's teddy bear: inflexibly comforting and bringer of peace of mind. For six years she had been Harry's owl and they both loved each other, cared for one another and protected one another. So when that night came when they were ripped apart forever, Harry was distraught. His pet, his friend, another of his protectors was dead. And that was when he realised he was no longer a child. In the very moment Hedwig had been taken from him so had his childhood. He was no longer a protected child – he was a marked man with no pets, comforts or people to hide behind. He had to fight these battles ahead and he couldn't do that while longing, needing or seeking comfort. He had to face these hardships with strength, power and independence. He was a man now.