The Basilisk rested inside the statue and emerged from its mouth when the Heir of Slytherin , Tom Riddle , summoned it .
A colossal statue of Salazar Slytherin , looking ancient and monkey - like , is at the centre .
The Basilisk rested inside the statue and emerged from Salazar Slytherin 's mouth when the Heir of Slytherin , Tom Riddle , summoned it .
A colossal statue of Salazar Slytherin , looking ancient and monkey - like , is at the centre .