Quiz Make-up: Memory

Memory is a powerful thing in the Harry Potter series; it serves as a magical power all on its own.  There is a saying that hindsight is 20/20, and with things such as the Pensieve memories can be closely examined again and again to become, perhaps, more than 20/20.  Rowling may be using this theme of memories and reminders as a way to express how important it is to learn from the past and to remember certain things, even if one does not want to, because they may come in handy. 

There is also the idea of learning from the mistakes of the past, such as how Hagrid is blamed for opening the Chamber of Secrets in the book of the same title.  Harry is transported into a memory of Tom Riddle’s – or Tom Riddle’s diary – in which Tom Riddle finds Hagrid and blames him.  Harry then feels awkward around Hagrid, thinking maybe he was the one to open the Chamber; later, when Harry realizes it was not Hagrid, he feels very foolish. 

Memories can skew how one remembers events, so taking someone’s word for something, or even viewing their memory of the event, is not necessarily the best choice.  A strong example of the need for memories and how they can serve as a helping hand is with the Patronus Charm.  In order to produce a powerful enough Patronus and fight off dementors – the embodiment of depression – one must procure a strong, happy memory in the front of his or her brain.  This happy memory is what fuels the Patronus and leads it to save you.  The Patronus is the embodiment of the phrase, “Look at all you have to live for.”  A happy memory can be a life-saving grace against a dementor.

Memories can also haunt, and not just he to whom the memory belongs.  The memory of Tom Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets was controlling Ginny without her knowing it or understanding it.  This memory also gave Harry the bad opinion of Hagrid for a while, was controlling a basilisk to kill Harry and a handful of other Hogwarts-goers, and gave Harry and glimpse of the past of Voldemort. 

Harry’s memories of his parents may not be the best, but they gave him the power to break from the Priori Incantatem in the graveyard after the third task.  His parents give him encouragement that he can do this successfully, and then when it is time they assure him that he is ready and should break away to get back to Hogwarts.  Even remembering someone falsely can help anyone through almost anything.  Memory really is a powerfully fascinating thing.