"I refuse, Headmaster."
Hermione said without hesitation, looking at McGonagall with determination.
A wizard's memories were deeply personal and important.
If your memories fell into another wizard's hands, they could pry into your habits and way of thinking.
Even more terrifyingly, if they had ill intentions, they could use those memories as the basis for a powerful curse against you.
Hermione still remembered the wicked smile on Voldemort's face when he spoke of using memories as ingredients for a curse.
After that, she had resolved never to let anyone get their hands on her memories.
"Is there something you're worried about, Hermione?"
Lupin didn't furrow his brow like McGonagall. He simply asked Hermione in a calm, gentle voice.
Hermione hesitated over whether to tell the truth or make up an excuse.
But when she glanced at them again, she found that both were watching her with amused expressions. Hermione clearly still had a lot to learn about trying to fool clever people.
"All right, I'll be honest." Hermione spread her hands. "I heard that memories can be used as the basis for a curse, so..."
"No one would do that, Hermione. I think you should trust the teachers' character." McGonagall interrupted her with a frown, speaking quickly.
"Don't rush her, McGonagall."
Lupin stood and walked over to the desk. Looking at Hermione, he said, "We'll use the Headmaster's Pensieve, Hermione, and only look at the part about Azkaban. We'll give it right back as soon as we're done."
Hermione thought it over, but in the end she still shook her head.
"Ask someone else. I don't want to use my own memories," she refused again.
Lupin and McGonagall exchanged a look, then nodded in agreement.
"Use Harry's. I think he'll agree."
After Hermione left, Lupin said this.
McGonagall nodded, agreeing