Pensieve memories (was Re: The Huge overreaction)

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 150189

> 
> houyhnhnm:
> 
> If wizards do have keener hearing than muggles, then they would also
> have to have a greater ability to filter out excess stimuli or they
> would find themselves in the condition that is said to afflict people
> with autism.

Finwitch:

We all filter things we see and hear. You know, the difference between 
seeing and observing.

I believe the subconcious records all as it happens, whereas our 
concious mind recalls only a filtered memory, if even that. The 
subconcious will have influence, though... a feeling of familiarity, 
perhaps.

Remember how Vernon, in the very first chapter, more or less 
deliberately alters his memory about the cat reading a map? This sort 
of process happens quite often I believe. We tend to ignore the things 
we don't understand.

Of course, the TT-trip in PoA shows quite clearly how much a 
*perspective* can change your interpreting of things!

Finwitch