Question about Pensieve memories

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 186017

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "clcb58" <carylcb at ...> wrote:
>
> Does extracting a memory for Pensieve viewing erase the memory from the mind or just make a copy of it? Does anyone remember canon examples to support either theory?
>

Pippin:
Dumbledore can discuss the trials, the prophecy, and his interviews with Riddle even when his memories of these events are stored in the Pensieve, so extracting memories can't mean erasing them as thoroughly as a  memory charm would do.  

But there must be some point to Snape storing his memories in the Pensieve and replacing them afterwards. Perhaps while  memories are in the pensieve, one can still recall the facts of an event, but can't picture it in the mind  -- and neither could an invading legilimens. 

Snape must actually have been so good at occlumency that he wouldn't need this defense -- but he didn't want Voldemort to know that. So a great show was made of extracting some memories and placing them in the pensieve.  

Pippin