Flashbacks don't always tell the truth (JKR and Occlumency lessons)

[allthingshp]

No: HPFGUIDX 121749


Sherry:
> 
> This is something I've always wondered about the Snape's worst memory
> chapter.  After all, we are only seeing it from Snape's point of view and in
> a memory that is long past.  It is proven psychologically, that we modify
> our memories a bit to fit a reality we want.  Not totally, not in a
> delusional manner, but we all do it.  We don't know enough about the pensive
> to know how it shows the memory.  Does it show exactly what happened, or
> Does it only show how someone remembers what happened?  This could be an
> important distinction.  That's why I'm not in a hurry to judge anyone in
> that scene, not the marauders, not Snape nor Lily.  I just think we don't
> know enough yet, and probably, if there's anything significant about that
> scene, it won't be something we expect.  In true JKR style!


Absolutely its true that our memories are not a picture perfect representation of past 
events and we most certainly manipulate them both consciously and 
unconsciously...However when Harry speaks to Lupin and Sirius neither of them deny the 
scene in the pensive.  While all may not be as it seems in that scene I don't think we 
should bend backwards looking for ways to absolve the marauders for their cruelty.  
Rather I think its critical that Harry recognize that his father had faults and that good and 
evil are not black and white distinctions....That seems to me to jive with one of the central 
themes of the book-it is not enough to be a "good guy", goodness is in the actions of your 
everyday.

just a thought...
allthinghp