CoS theories

[monika_zaboklicka]

No: HPFGUIDX 46788

Pippin wrote:
> Now the basilisk does not simply roam the school--it's starving, 
> and left to its own devices it would surely have devoured its 
> victims. The petrification is *intentional*.  Riddle's
> initial goal is to scare the Muggleborn out of the school, not to 
> get the place shut down. 

I like it! The theory certainly explains one thing that was puzzling 
me ever since I read CoS - why the attacks were so ineffective? 
Still, after reading such a perfect explanation, my twisted brain 
refuses to accept it wholly. Poor me!
All the later attacks might, as Pippin says, be meant to petrify, not 
to kill. Pippin's reasoning is perfect, but I have my doubts about 
Myrtle's death.
The surest way to ensure Myrtle was not fatally hurt by Basilisk was 
to wait with opening the Chamber until she left the bathroom. Sure, 
most propably Riddle wasn't a frequent visitor to a girls' bathroom, 
he might not know that Myrtle used to spend her days there, but 
checking all cabins seems to be such a basic precaution. Besides, 
Myrtle was the only victim Riddle could not let live. She heard him 
speak Parseltongue, once revived after petrification, she'd surely 
tell all to anybody who'd listen.
Side note: why nobody asked her ghost? Why Harry and Hermione were 
the first ones to connect "speaking funny language", Myrtle's death, 
petrification of several people and messages on the wall? Bad, 
Dumbledore! Damn bad!
In short, I'm still puzzled. Perhaps that's why CoS is my less 
favourite HP book.

Monika