Fawkes and the basilisk

[corinthum]

No: HPFGUIDX 81272

Anna asked:
 
> > > Can a phoenix die?

Geoff replied:

> Since normally when a phoenix comes to the end of its life span, it 
> spontaneously combusts and is reborn from the ashes. However, what 
> happens if a phoenix is killed in an accident or something of tht 
> nature? This made me think of Tolkien's elves who are immortal and do 
> not suffer diseases; it is only if they are killed in, say, battle 
> that they lose their immortality.

We've seen Fawkes die twice, once of natural causes (CoS), and once
from Avada Kedavra (OoP).  Both times he burst into flame and was
immediately reborn in the ashes.  So it seems to me that phoenixes are
mortal, in that they can die or be killed in the same way that any
other creature can, but immortal in that they are reborn immediately
regardless of the cause of death.

Back to the original question, the stare of a basilisk is deadly, but
what about a sidelong glance?  If Fawkes was to sneak up on the
basilisk from behind and injure one eye before the basilisk could
properly "stare" at him, I think he would be safe.

-Corinth

P.S. Tolkien's elves could die non-violently, for example, Arwen