The Basilisk *Does* Target Its Victims (IMO)

[Melody]

No: HPFGUIDX 46827

Phyllis wrote:
>Each of the petrified human victims in CoS was muggle-born.  We don't
>know Myrtle's history yet, but I would wager a couple of knuts she
>was muggle-born also.


I think you would win that bet easily.  In CoS [of course :)], when
Harry and Ron were Polyjuice!Crabbe&Goyle, Draco told them something
his dad told him:

Ch 12:
"But I know one thing - last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened, a
Mudblood died."

I see no reason for Lucius to lie to his son nor for Draco to lie to
Crabbe and Goyle, so I say he is telling the truth.  We know last time
a student died and that is what caused them to desire to close the
school.  I see no major jump of logic to say Myrtle is that mudblood.
 Therefore, Myrtle is muggle-born.


>As to the only non-human that was attacked, Neville speculates that
>Mrs. Norris was attacked as a way of attacking Filch, who is a
>squib, and I happen to agree with Neville.

Well, in the chamber, Riddle said he sent the basilisk after the
"squib's cat" (Ch 17).  Since he made that distinction, I would say
Mrs. Norris was attached because Filch has no magic ability.
Mudbloods are rare, but squibs are even more rare.  Either way, Riddle
doesn't like those without magic whether in heritage or in life.  In
Mrs. Norris's case, by close association and probably proximity.  Kill
first target that matches criteria.


> I always wondered whether it was Riddle's voice Harry heard in the
> walls rather than the Basilisk's voice.  Riddle, urging the Basilisk
> onward, telling the Basilisk who to attack.

I like the idea, but how was Riddle!Ginny crawling through the pipes
with the snake?  In Myrtle's recollection, she said Riddle just went
to the sink and parseltongued.  He did not get down there with the
snake.  So with the snake moving behind the walls to a destination, I
wonder if Riddle just let the creature loose or actually lead it
around?  Given that the snake by nature just kills without care, I
would think that Riddle lead it around.

Also if he did follow the snake through the walls, how is it that
neither he nor Riddle!Ginny get caught?  It seems a student hissing
through the halls would be quite suspicious.


Melody