[HPforGrownups] The evidence for knowledge of the Basilisk WAS Re: What's annoying about Harry

[Trond Michelsen]

No: HPFGUIDX 51469

On Sat, Feb 01, 2003 at 11:20:55PM -0000, bluesqueak <pipdowns at etchells0.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> But, you want some canon that Snape at least had reason to suspect a 
> Basilisk? OK.
> 
> CoS, UK paperback, Ch.11, pp. 145 to 146. Snape suggests to Malfoy 
> that he uses the Serpensortia curse. Harry, as a result, displays 
> his Parselmouth abilities. Snape gives him a look Harry doesn't 
> like: 'shrewd and calculating'.

:-) I almost like it.

> Of course, that could be complete coincidence. Snape could have no 
> reason whatsoever for making sure that Harry has a curse flung at 
> him which tests his ability to control snakes. 

There's only one thing that doesn't really add up here. It doesn't seem
like Snape gives Harry much time to have any sort reaction before he
steps forward to get rid of it. Of course, Lockhart takes over and
throws the snake in the air instead.

> But that 'shrewd and calculating look' suggests Snape is not 
> *scared* of Harry's ability (like the students, who are frightened). 
> He's working out that Harry can either a) control the basilisk, or b)
> can hear it.

Well, I think he thinks the same as everybody else. The heir of
Slytherin is supposedly the only one that can open the chamber.
Slytherin's descendants are the only known parselmouths. Harry is a
parselmouth. 

-- 
Trond Michelsen