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[mary-elizabeth-stephens-deactiv]

Isn’t that what you said? Two students or something.

Must have misunderstood. Maybe it’s natural for mudbloodsto be less adept at hearing? 

But here is a rumor I heard running along the corridors: apparently, this fifth year Gryffindor student — Lily Evans or something — is the best of her Potions class. Slughorn’s favorite, I heard. I wouldn’t be surprised. She’s pretty, too. 

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

Some people are better at thieving and lying than others; such is the way of things. And the looks of such people are irrelevant; I would have thought you would look down on the treating of your kind as some kind of breeding experiment for their aesthetics. That was outlawed several centuries, you know, before the witch hunts. 

[emmelinefancyvance-blog]

Why the hell would you think I would tell you, of all people, that?

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

So accusatory.

[emmelinefancyvance-blog]

I’m not accusing anyone of anything. I’m just saying anything is possible. No one may know the truth except the ones who did it but I plan on finding out.

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

And how do you intend to do that?

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mary-elizabeth-stephens:

Of course I care about my family! If I could, I would have put protection spells on my house as soon as I got back from my first year, when I realized there were people like- Who liked to hurt others. People who believed I’m inferior to them. 

I will never shun myself from my heritage, like my brother shunned me from his life for so long. I’m proud of being a muggleborn. But when you come to think of it, if wizards and witches in Hogsmeade couldn’t protect against two mere students, how could I possibly protect my family from those so-called Death-Eater people. 

It’s a stupid name, honestly.

A tear-jerking story. Two students, do you think? In any case, it's natural for mudbloods to be less adept at magic. You shouldn't feel too ashamed of being unable to protect you and yours. 

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

[mary-elizabeth-stephens-deactiv]

You think I’m less capable of caring because of my heritage. I’m not terrorized because Hogwarts is the safest place I could be right now and so, no. I don’t feel terrorized though I do feel worried about the people out there who aren’t under safe roofs such as we are. 

If you’re so worried about your protection and the safety of people at Hogsmeade, why don’t you do something instead of talking. 

After all, I’m just a muggle. What can I possibly do?

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

So you're not at all concerned for your family? They're, ah, muggles, aren't they? Attacks on muggle familes, even those without any wizarding connections are on the rise, or so says the Prophet. But I suppose you're trying to distance yourself from your heritage? Distasteful, perhaps, but I suppose a clever move in terms of your own survival.

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

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emmelinefancyvance

I am aware it was in the papers, Strange (I guess that’s gonna be his nickname?). I can read the papers just as well as everyone else.The culprits however remain unknown to the public, for now. Plus, everyone knows there are people who will write anything to cover up the actions of wealthy families children….

Oh, you think it was a group of children? Popular opinion speculates it was either Death Eaters or rioting Muggle-borns... So you must have put some thought into the matter. 

Unless your making completely unfounded accusations? Which children exactly are you accusing of arson, Vance? 

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

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mary-elizabeth-stephens:

Of course I care! 

What does it matter that Hogsmeade is an all-wizarding village? Are you insinuating that because of my muddyblood status I don’t care? 

*Takes a deep breath* 

The only people who would be mindless enough to attack something so near Hogwarts are those so-calledDeath Eaters,who find fun in terrorizing those “inferior" to them. Note the quotes. 

*Points finger to temple* Hm… Reminds me of someone. Can’t quite remember their names… It’s on the tip of my tongue though. 

I said no such thing; from your previous words, I speculated that you didn't care. Although, I do agree with you; as a mudblood, you're less capable of caring.

And you don't seem terrorized, muggle.

[mary-elizabeth-stephens-deactiv]

Why do you care? Worried it was one of your bully friends?

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

I'm concerned for the welfare of the inhabitants of Hogmeade, naturally, particularly given that it's so close to our fine school. Why, little Hufflepuff, do you not care at all? All though, I suppose that's rather a given in your case, isn't it? After all, Hogsmeade is the an all-Wizarding village. 

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

Rumor is, would be the key part of that story. Why should anyone believe you anyways? It was probably you and Little Strange.

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

Oh, it was in the papers this morning, Vance. I thought perusal of the intellectual or political was a valued trait among Ravenclaw's? At the very least, basic literacy is a requirement for entering Hogwarts. 

And of course, it's merely a rumour; I'm attempting to validate my sources. 

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

The Hogsmeade branch of Ollivander's was set fire to last weekend; nearly burned to the ground. Coincided with an attempt at the shop in Diagon Alley, apparently, though that one fell through and Aurors caught two wizards at the scene. Rumour is that it was a couple of students in Hogsmeade, kids of the two... sympathisers.

 No one would happen to know anything about this, right?

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

Duelling Club || OPEN

Starting a duelling club had been a suggestion from Rodolphus’ father. The advantages of such an activity, he argued, were numerous; he could gauge the skill of his fellow students, both in terms of potential allies and enemies, hone his own skills, build a network of associates, contribute something to the running of the school to get Dumbledore off his back…

Rodolphus, after some discussion, had consented and proceeded to coerce a small legion of second years into putting up posters and flyers around the school. He’d also convinced with Professor Mortlake to distribute the information during her classes, and particular ‘to those who you feel, Professor, would benefit from the attention and advice myself and a few other upper year students would be able to give’.

So here he was, almost regretting the whole circus already. There had been rather more interest than he had been expecting; there were at least ten students from each year group, with a notably higher number of fifth year O.W.L. students. Rodolphus stood on a table, surveying the Great Hall with an idle sort of aloof distaste, arms folded and wand tapping against one shoulder. Wisps of black smoke drifted out of it at odd intervals and dissipated around the room.

Deep in thought of how to organise them, and feeling more sympathetic towards the plight of teachers on a global scale than he had half an hour ago, Rodolphus didn’t notice that there was someone in front of him and trying to get his attention until they loudly cleared their throat.

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

Amycus watched as Rodolphus cleaned himself up, still leaning on the disgustingly glittery wall. He thought that Rod was a show off, using magic to clean the scraps of cloth that covered him, but didn’t say anything. It wouldn’t be right to begrudge another for showing his skill - Amycus would just have to one up him later. Though he rather thought he already had, by not getting caught in this daft prank trap in the first place. He really hoped this mess got cleaned up soon, as it was very unsightly. Seeing one of the Slytherin 7th years covered in glitter made up for it somewhat, however. 

"Peeves is a menace to all," Amycus said, shoving himself away from the wall he was leaning on and walking down the corridor a ways. Nearly the entire place was covered. He sniffed a bit, trying not to be impressed, though he had to agree with Rod that the little bugger had done some good work of his prank. He looked over at his shoulder when Lestrange mentioned that the glitter was jinxed, and was pleased to note that none of it had rubbed off on his robes. Some had, however, managed to worm its way under one of his finger nails, and he went about inspecting it, to see if he could get rid of it without consequence.

"How could I not?" he asked, rolling his eyes in answer to Rod’s question. Still picking at the glitter under his finger nail, he turned on the balls of his feet to face the ostensibly embarrassed Slytherin. He smirked a bit at Rod’s misfortune. “Some fourth years caught wind of it and came barging in the common room, shouting and such like the headaches that they embody. Seriously, were we that annoying when we were young?" he asked, pulling a face. He shook his head a bit. “Don’t answer that. All the same, yes, I heard of the commotion, and it interrupted my fire spell practice."

Amycus wasn’t all that worried about his practice - he knew he could he could set fire to things, he’d been doing it for years at this point. It was a small joy in life though, watching something burn at your will. Probably one of the things Amycus enjoyed the most, setting fire to things. “The more pressing question is how in the name of Merlin did you get involved in this … commotion?" he asked, wanting to use a different word, but unable to think of one. “I rather thought you were smarter than to fall for the tricks of some pesky poltergeist, but I suppose I overestimated." Amycus didn’t actually think so lowly of Rodolphus, but he did enjoy getting a rise out of people, especially those who were on his level, or near it at the very least.

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

Immediately fed up with trying to dislodge the glitter manually, Rodolphus let out a frustrated grunt and tried to think of a spell Peeves wouldn’t have pre-empted. Picking up his school bag from where he had dropped it after he’d been assaulted Rodolphus took out the few text books and scrolls he had been carrying in one of its sections.

“Discardio glitter,” he muttered as he pointed at the emptied space, resentful that he was about to put at least one portion of his bag out of commission. The spell worked, insofar as all the glitter on Rodolphus had now thrown itself into his bag instead. Tucking his school things beneath one arm, and shrugging the bag onto his opposite shoulder, Rodolphus picked up the conversation with Amycus.

“You were an absolute terror until at least fifth year,” he commented mildly, the tone indicating a degree of approval that was masquerading poorly as criticism. “Do you remember the occasion that you and your charming sister were practising on that second year’s cat, and drove it insane? The yowling had the entire Dungeon awake into the small hours; and on a Sunday too.”

Rodolphus paused and made a show of considering his last statement. “Oh, I’m sorry. That was two weeks ago, wasn’t it?”

“I didn’t fall for any trick,” Rodolphus sniffed, tilting his head up with affront until he realised what he was doing and corrected himself. “The damn creature was waiting for me. He knew I was studying,” here he gestured at  a door behind him, indeed one of the exits from the Restricted Section of the library, “And was literally hovering about the door with those damned scarves.”

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

xenonlovesgood:

Xenon grinned widely when Rudolph asked about the Crumple Horned Snorkack. It always made him extremely happy when he was able to talk about one of his favorite creatures, especially to someone who seemed genuinely interested. Which applied to Rudolph, surprisingly. But Xenon was good at rolling with the punches either way.

"Oh yes! It’s a magical creature that lives in Sweden. I plan on going there one day to see it up close. It looks kind of like a rhinoceros, but it can’t fly. Its horn has a lot of very important magical qualities," Xenon said, nodding vigorously. Rudolph was responding rather well to the conversation, which encouraged Xenon to keep going. “For example, the horns can be used in potions if ground up. But that’s not something that should be encouraged, because then people might start poaching the Crumple Horned Snorkacks, and that would be terrible. They also have mild healing properties. If you hold a Crumple Horned Snorkack’s horn for at least but no more than 3.4 hours, then any infections you have will vanish. Just like magic." Xenon giggled at his pun.

He was just about to open his creature encyclopedia when Rudolph interrupted. He smiled at the compliment. Or, he took Rudolph’s comment as a compliment, rather. “Thank you," he said, making sure to remember his manners. “But no, it’s not, unfortunately." Xenon took a deep breath and made a face and shaking his head a bit. “Hogwarts’s Care of Magical Creatures curriculum is rather lacking, in my opinion. I’ve tried talking to Kettleburn in an effort to remedy this, but he just thinks I’m off my rocker." Xenon sighed. “Painfully closed minded, they are."

Xenon tilted his head though, as he listened to Rudolph’s recount of the Daily Prophet article and wrinkled his nose. “No, I didn’t see," he told his companion. “I don’t read the Daily Prophet very often, in truth. I find them a bit too…," Xenon struggled with the word he was trying to convey. He made a noise in the back of his throat as he thought through his vocabulary. “I don’t like what they chose to report, and I feel like they’re censored… Censored!" he shouted, triumphant. “That’s what I was trying to think of before. They keep things from us, because they don’t want us to know. If we’re in the dark, then we’re less of a threat to them and the Ministry." 

He paused, making a face again. Thestral breeding did sound interesting, even if he found out about it from the Prophet. Of course, he could always go through and do his own research. Xenon nodded, thinking this is what he would do. “I’ll go through and find that issue though! Cause it does sound interesting. Where is the Lake District though?" he asked, not knowing anything about districts. Maybe it was close enough for him to visit. He thought that would be fun.

Does he mean to say that he believes rhinoceros’ do fly? Rodolphus wondered internally, deciding on not to broach the topic. It was entirely possible that this Crumpled Snorkack was a rhinoceros; Rodolphus was under the vague impression that Muggles believed that certain animal horns had healing properties, and it wouldn’t surprise him if Xenon had gotten the two somehow mixed up. Still, it was true that such creatures as unicorns had regenerative magic and the like imbued in their horns, hair and blood. Perhaps there was some, lost truth on which Xenon based his claim. Oddly enough, Rodolphus had the inclination to inquire further, although not with Xenon as his main source of information, but he certainly did not have the time. Bigger things afoot than an impromptu zoology hobby.

“Painfully close minded,” Rodolphus repeated thoughtfully, tone carrying a hint of surprise. “I would have to agree with you there.” Though, naturally, for entirely different reasons. “Not only do they neglect your Snorkack’s, but all manner of things naturally occurring in the Wizarding world. Lethifolds, or Dementors, for example.”

They were approaching the topic Rodolphus wanted to discuss, but here tact was necessary. “They guard our prisons, for Merlin’s sake. That most haven’t heard of them until fifth year or when they’re attacked… “

“The Lakes? They’re in England, the North West; my family owns a property there.” A hint of brag crept into Rodolphus’ tone as he spoke, so distracted was he considering Xenon’s words that he forgot to make an attempt at mediating it. A conspiracy theorist, how refreshing.

“What do you think the Ministry is hiding?” Rodolphus asked, finding himself forgetting the chill as he became more engrossed in the conversation, dropping down to sit on a rock besides Xenon’s. 

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

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amycuslycarrow:

Amycus had decided to skive off his classes for the day, as he didn’t have anything of consequence to turn in. Not that he would’ve either way, most likely he wouldn’t made up some excuse about how the menial task was so far below him that it didn’t merit doing. However, it was neither here nor there, so he didn’t think about it too much. Instead, he sat in his dorm, in the peace and quiet away from insufferable people. He had a few of his Dark Arts books spread out on his bed and was comparing torture methods between them when he heard it. A racket coming from the common room. Amycus rolled his eyes and went back to his books, even practicing a fire starting spell on one of his half finished essays. 

He lost his concentration, however, when a loud, piercing scream emanated from the common room and disrupted him again. He slammed his books shut and set them in his trunk carefully before slamming the trunk closed and storming out of his dorm, aiming to hex whomever had shrieked. Once in the common room, he glared around, but nothing seemed to be ostensibly out of the ordinary. Amycus narrowed his eyes at a group of fourth years that were sitting at the tables near the corridor to his dorm. “What was that noise I heard?” he demanded.

The two girls in the group shrank back, but neither of the boys seemed to be fazed by Amycus’s demeanor. Which of course only served to make Amycus more mad, and he reached into his pocket to pull out his wand. He leaned back on his heels and played with his wand between his fingers, letting them see that he meant business. Lucky for them, this made the boys nervous, and they faltered. “A girl came in covered in glitter,” one of them said. “And she was screaming about how it ruined her hair or some rubbish,” the other finished for him.

“Glitter? What the hell?” Amycus asked, more thinking out loud than anything. The fourth years shrugged and started to say something asinine, probably about how they didn’t know where the glitter came from or some other idiotic confession, and Amycus cut them off before they could make a sound. “Oh, save it. I got what I wanted.” Or at least all you could give me, he thought with an eye roll. Were all fourth years so idiotic? 

Amycus shook his head and stomped out of the common room, not bothering with idiots who were confused about glitter. It was all such a waste of time. Instead, he was going to get away from everyone, and find a place to practice his fire spells in peace. Because obviously the dungeons weren’t sufficient any more. Perhaps he could use that as an excuse to not do school work, though, which could prove useful. Amycus stopped walking for a moment and contemplated the idea, but when he saw a first year Hufflepuff looking at him, he gave the girl a glare and continued on his way. He vaguely heard a squeak and footsteps, and smirked. He still had his fear factor, not that there was ever any doubt. The ego boost was nice, though.

He turned around the corner to the Charms corridor, and immediately stopped again. “Well, I found the source of the glitter,” he said, a hint of amusement coloring his normally bored drawl. Amycus caught sight of fellow Slytherin Rodolphus and smirked. He was covered in glitter, and was obviously quite angry. “Well, well, Lestrange,” he said, spelling a piece of wall clean and failing, and then just hoping the constantly clean charms on his robes would hold up as he leaned against the glitter. “I never would’ve pegged you to be one for flashy outfits, but I suppose you have the freedom to make your own bad decisions,” he taunted. 

Rodolphus span round when he heard Amycus enter the corridor, thankfully remaining both upright and managing to displace the last of the ink. The glitter stubbornly clung to his clothes though, and was no doubt also in his hair. He was so furious he nearly hexed the newcomer without waiting to see who it was or consider the repercussions; a mild relief stirred through him when he realised precisely which student it was. He didn’t doubt his ability, but it wouldn’t do to start anything with Amycus of all people. He was one of the few sources of intelligent conversation, and in any case the Gryffindor’s would have a field day if the higher Slytherin years started fighting among themselves.

“Carrow,” he ground out, before forcing himself to calm down at least externally. A particularly showy piece of magic had the remaining scraps of cloth attached to him shrivel into ash and drop to the floor, to Rodolphus’ satisfaction, but the spell did nothing for the glitter. Rodolphus ran a hand through his dark hair in a show of unaffectedness at both his state and that of the corridor, while frantically turning over ideas on how to remove the glitter.

“Peeves,” he said shortly by way of explanation. “I’m tempted to take apart the school till I find whatever foundation brick that damned poltergeist is bound too. For all that it can be useful having a being about that doesn't die no matter what spells you practice on it…” he trailed off, turning his wand towards his own robes and muttering a spell. The glitter, far from disappearing, doubled in quantity.

“The little bastard has jinxed it,” Rodolphus muttered, feeling his neck heat slightly and squashing down on his embarrassment until the blush shrank away. He set about brushing the glitter away by hand, opting to look at their surroundings rather than at Amycus.

“Still, it’s one of his more impressive efforts. I gather you heard the commotion?” 

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

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xenonlovesgood:

Xenon listened to Rudolph’s take on the weather, and nodded a bit, understanding. He was like that about the snow sometimes, when he was in a not so good mood, particularly. But today he was enjoying it, even though his feet were still rather cold because of his defective heating charms. He kicked up some more ice and snow fluff, and grinned to himself a bit as he noticed that Rudolph was gathering his cloak around himself and cast a few more heating charms. It was amusing to see someone who you don’t really think of as a normal person doing something that was very normal. He did recognize that Rudolph probably wouldn’t want anyone to know about it, so he didn’t say anything.

“Oh!” he exclaimed, looking down at his book. “Well, sitting on the rock is much better than sitting on the ground in the snow,” he pointed out. He looked around that the frozen landscape, and tilted his head to the side to get a better look at it all. “I figure it’s not the best weather to be reading outside,” he observed, “but it’s nice all the same.” He grinned in Rudolph’s direction. Xenon was a bit curious as to why Rudolph had wandered out into the snow, especially if he wasn’t all that fond of it, but he wasn’t sure if asking would be appropriate.

If he were being honest with himself, and Xenon was a big advocate of honesty, which is part of why he didn’t like the Daily Prophet so much, he would admit to not knowing what to say to Rudolph in general. It wasn’t often that he had company when he wandered outside in the snow, and it was less often when a snakey like Rudolph joined him, or showed interest in him at all. He sat there for a moment, idly running his hand over the cover of his creature encyclopedia, before he turned his attention back to the present. “Are you… erm… interested in hearing about the Crumple Horned Snorkack?” That wasn’t the question he’d originally meant to ask, but it worked all the same, he figured. And it would be nice to talk about it to someone who might not take stock in it otherwise.

Rodolphus blinked at the question, raising an eyebrow. “Crumple Horned Snorkack?” he queried, less out of politeness or interest and more out of shock. “Is that some kind of creature?”

When Xenon abruptly began to babble on the subject, clearly well-informed, Rodolphus realised perhaps the instinctive question should have been thought out better. He listened with vague incredulity for a moment, but with, to his horror, gradually growing interest.

Severely curbing the desire to ask any further questions on the matter, Rodolphus made a few non-committal noises at appropriate intervals before interrupting.

“You seem to be quite gripped with the topic of mythological magic creatures,” he noted. That was a kind way of putting it. “Is that from Care of Magical Creatures? I must say I never opted to take that class after my fourth year.” An utter waste of time, another area of Hogwarts curriculum that neglected practical study of Dark creatures at least until seventh year.

“There was an article in the Daily Prophet yesterday on Thestral breeding,” said Rodolphus after  waiting for Xenon’s reply. It seemed like the sort of thing he might be interested in, and a way to keep the conversation going. “In the Lake District, did you see it?"

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bertrammaubreyy:

When Rodolphus actually agreed to help Bertram with his magic, he was ecstatic.  All of his embarrassment was washed away as he realized that Rodolphus even acted like he wanted to help Bertram.  ”Wow, that would be so great, Rodolphus.  You’re sure you don’t mind, though?  I know you’re probably pretty busy, and I don’t want to hinder your own plans and such.”  Bertram was being trying to be polite, but he really hoped that Rod wouldn’t change his mind, even out of need to.  This mentoring could give Bertram the edge that he needed to really get on top of his game.  He couldn’t slack on this opportunity now that he’d brought it up.

Bertram thought about Rod’s question.  Did he feel the need to study more than just spells?  That was the majority of dark magic, right?  Feeling unsure of what he needed to learn and not wanting to sound stupid by mixing up his magic, Bert decided to take full advantage of the situation.  ”I would take any and all help that you would be willing to give me.”  After a second thought he added, “But out of curiosity right now, what other branches of study could you teach me other than spells?”

Rodolphus grinned, quick and blinding, before his face settled back into a more usual smile. “A diplomatic answer,” he noted mildly. “Methods of potion making predominantly, I would imagine. How well do you know that boy Snape? He’s in your year, isn’t he?”

Rodolphus had heard things of Snape’s talent in that particular area of academic study with some interest. “He has the right idea, in some ways,” Rodolphus observed aloud. “Most wizards expect threats from verbal angles, and only presume to defend themselves as such. It can be more prudent to know how to brew potions to do both the defensive or offensive work for you.”

“Of course, there are other areas of magic that do not involve practical wizardry at all.” Rodolphus paused, to let Bertram think of that what he would. “Enchanted objects, for example.” 

[minervasclass]

[thisisrodolphuslestrange-blog]

minervasclass:

Minerva started to turn away, certain that the conversation was finished when she heard his next question. What, did he honestly think that she might be sympathetic to his plight or his cause? She had never gone through the phase that so many seemed to of being tempted by the darker side of magic. But that didn’t mean she was completely ignorant of everything it entailed and the effects that it would have on the wielder. An explanation like that was unlikely to have an effect on Mr. Lestrange though. He was trying to make her feel defensive and apologetic. But she was much better at this game than he was, however intelligent and subtle he thought he was. 

“I spent two years working as part of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement before becoming a teacher Mr. Lestrange. One of the first things you’re expected to learn is the effects of different dark spells and how a person might have learned them. Even if I haven’t been on active duty for several years, it is not something that you forget easily.” Minerva didn’t spend too much time thinking about her brief ministry career, but she was grateful for it now. Perhaps it would make him think just the slightest bit longer about the consequences of what was happening here instead of rushing off to find the next book he could on the subject. And student or not, she would deal with the situation appropriately when the time came. 

Rodolphus adopted a suitably abashed expression, internally rolling his eyes.

"I don't mean to accuse you of having any sympathies with the Dark Arts, Professor," he amended politely. "I wouldn't dream too. I only mean that since it has clearly benefited your own knowledge of the subject, purely in a preventative vein, I'm not sure why you would be so keen to have Hogwarts students remain entirely ignorant. I am a seventh year, Professor, I know that such magic exists after all."

Rodolphus knew much more than that, in truth; he thought that McGonagall probably knew as much, or at least had her own suspicions on the matter. But it would be inadvisable of her to call him on it. That sort of accusation, without evidence as Rodolphus had been painstaking in his efforts to conceal his 'extra-curricular' activities, would be liable to get her sacked, such was the political climate of the day. With the parents, siblings or friends of students, wizard or no, dying almost daily in the war, such a comment based only on suspicions would cause a great deal of problems for both of them. And if Rodolphus was expelled, while it would be a set back for his reputation, it would only advance his career plans.

"And even if I didn't, refusal to discuss this side of the magical world does not seem prudent in the educating of young wizards," he added mildly. "In the same way as refusing to teach the philosophy of the Greater Good can only lead to ignorance and a lack of preparedness for the outside world." The last part was said to provoke the professor; with any luck, he could distract her from the subject of his own views to with someone else's.