The secrecy motif/magic & muggles

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 179994

> Goddlefrood:
> 
> As I've asked before, how would a basilisk be able to distinguish 
> between a pure-blood, a half-blood or a muggle-born? I shouldn't 
> think it could. The stare would be lethal to anyone who came 
> across it, unless the wizard gene protected you in some way, 
> no, that wouldn't work either because if you are at Hogwarts 
> (excepting the squib Finch) you have it. The basilisk was an 
> ultimate revenge on all wizards, as far as I'm concerned. 

Pippin:
Of course it's not the basilisk but the parselmouth controlling the
basilisk who would make the distinction. Salazar would think that
only a pureblood descendant of his would have the ability, know
about the chamber, and desire to open it. He wouldn't have counted
on a horcrux infested diary, or a blood traitor with a parselmouth
best friend.  

How Riddle managed to protect himself from the basilisk is an 
interesting question, but obviously he could command it not to 
look at him.  Tom could make other animals obey him without
training them, so why should the basilisk be different?

He could have used the blindfold spell on the basilisk until
he was sure it would obey him. Any other ideas?

Pippin