[HPforGrownups] Re: Why didn't basilisk kill?

[maria]

No: HPFGUIDX 160495

> >>Eddie:
>> OK, I know that everybody in Book 2: CoS who encountered the basilisk was petrified for one reason or another (basilisk gave deadly glare via mirror, camera, ghost, etc). But why didn't the basilisk then go ahead and kill/eat the victims _AFTER_ petrifying them? << <snip> 

> >>Michael Perry:
>> Excellent! I *think* that this is because a basilisk can't kill inanimate objects. Once petrified, they aren't really alive. <<

Maria:
I think the main Basilisk was under the rule/spell of Tom Riddle and did his bidding.  He petrified those as a bait/lure for Harry Potter!
         
~maria~