"It sounds really good to me, sir," Excelsior said honestly. "I really wish we had a system like that here at Hogwarts today, you were so lucky that you had a system like that in place when you were here. I think a lot more of us would have a chance to make something of ourselves if we had a system like that in place."

"Thats sounds like a fantastic idea, Professor," Marco said, "It is a shame I am too old to take part in it, were it to be started up again."

"That is a good question. One I've pondered myself, many times." He shrugged. There could be any number of factors. Perhaps a problem arose that the system was abandoned for a time. Perhaps there was something greater to be done instead. This is Hogwarts, after wll. There is always something going on. Or it could be that there were too many transfer students at one time, and they either didn't gain or didn't continue the tradition. Or of course, the possible... seventh years who didn't follow through in mentoring the new mentors."

"Well, if you would want something like that, you should try doing something about it." He smirked. "Remember, it's never too early..."

"Or too late," he finished, looking at Marco. "You are going to be a seventh year, are you not? It would take a bit, but find someone who has already acted as a mentor. As a seventh year, it will be your job to choose the mentors to watch over the first years. So, look at the 3rd years you have available and present them with such an option. You could take this year to learn what to teach them, and guide them in mentoring the newcomers."

"Yes Sir," Marco nodded. Third years? He didn't know many third years. He knew a few second years. Or fourth years, but no third years. Was Alex a third year?

Xana pondered for a moment.

She chose her words carefully. "If this system were to be re-implemented, I can see that it would have the potential to be a very positive system, as it was for you when you were at this school. "

"But... If I may be candid, sir... I wonder, what steps could be taken to ensure that the students who were taking mentorships were providing consistent guidance in line with what Slytherin House's mores and core values are supposed to be, and are not merely... cultivating new clique members or perpetuating negative behaviours? I know that I'm relatively new here, but I've noticed that the house has had some concerns of late with interpersonal strife and a falling away from its core values... and if this type of mentorship system were in place, how could the students take the initiative to ensure that it doesn't actually make things worse instead instilling unity and pride?"

"The students who were doing the mentoring would have to be chosen very carefully," Excelsior said thoughtfully. "Otherwise problems would certainly result. How could we be certain of a person's character?"

"That's an interesting question. " she thought for a moment. "Initially, I thought of diplomacy; listening to the current students and takings cues from who they feel are leaders. "

She bit her lip. "But... actually I think that might create the exact opposite of the intended result. If it came down to a popularity vote, then what would actually happen is that those cliques would be strengthened... mere popularity is not a reliable indicator the content of one's character. "

"As Excelsior said, the students would need to be chosen carefully. Which is the main problem with starting at the top and going down from there." He stood, walking up closer to them. "Normally, you take the time to get to know the students. After all, by their fourth year, you've known them since their first year. Three years can be a long time to get to know a person. Who they are, and their potentials. And so, this will be the greatest obstacle to overcome... should you all decide to do this."

He looked to Excelsior. "For instance, you are a second year. While it's not the same, you can be trained up to be a mentor. Your first time mentoring, you instill those values in a group of first years. And then choose a few, rather than one, to be mentors as well." He looked between all of them. "Forget what year they are in, perhaps. Begin mentoring them late. When you leave, hand them off to newer mentors. If you persevere, the system will form itself."

"I think it would be awesome to be able to help guide the way for other students," Excelsior said. "You set the example and show them the way, and then you can be proud of your results. It's definitely something that sounds like it would be worth working for."

Diabolica listened to all this, interested.

Excelsior wondered if his trying to take Camira under his wing and guide her could be considered mentoring. It wasn't, really, he was too young to be a mentor.

ooc: Sorry guys. ^^; Again.

"So, let's go open forum about this. After all, my time as a student has long since past. It's your generation. Your time. I can help guide you all along the way, but now would be a good chance to discuss and plan." He looked them all over, considering. "Or would you prefer to learn some deeper... intricacies, and save your planning for the common room?"

"I think a moderated forum, under your guidance, would be a fabulous beginning."

Armand was a little taken aback, and he really needed to fly under the radar right now. "That's a very good idea, my dear. However, such a thing would be best left up to your Head of House. I can only be available for advice, should you come to me for it."

"Maybe Sir, we could get together with Professor Forrester. All of us, including you," Marco said, "And suggest something. So as to keep him informed, but you in charge. Possibly make him think it is his suggestion."

She nodded. "I'm sorry-- that makes sense, of course, I wasn't thinking... I assumed that you were to be our advisor in this undertaking, as you're so intimately familiar with the way it was done before... I'm sure, however, that we could learn so much from your experience-- what worked, what didn't work... if you don't mind, I already have some questions, and I'm sure my Housemates do as well...?" She looked around at the small group.

" I think it's a fascinating social experiment, if nothing else.. and at best it could really help to build a new order of unity, strength and comraderie among the Slytherin house -- current and future students and even alumni." She looked to her classmates. "We need that."

"A meeting with an advisor and a head of house-- that's brilliant, Marco..." Xana said enthusiastically. "But -- and forgive me, I'm new-- I don't understand the need to be... duplicitous... with our own head of house?"

Diabolica smiled at Xana. "Perfect! It's brilliant!" she said, finally waking up a bit.

Cassandra seemed a little uneasy... She adored professor Erikson, but to be deceitful towards Forrester bothered her... Why wouldn't Erikson approve she wondered.

Well, what did you know? Marco had it in him after all! He couldn't help a smirky grin. "Yes, we should talk with Forrester about this. And actually, Marco, he does believe that we need to be improving unity among the house. A sense of teamwork, as it work. He was quite distressed when I mentioned many students in Slytherin 101 saying that it was every student for themselves. And, as an adviser, I say we could gather together a decent plan for him to go over. Just remember, it's not who is in charge that is important. It is the end result. And if we can unite the house, instill values with this method, then I'm sure that he would have no problems in helping things along as well."

Xana listened to all this. "Excuse me sir, but I'm a bit puzzled. Is Professor Forrester not yet aware of this exploratory meeting or the mentorship program you propose? Forgive me; but as I've found the dynamics in Slytherin to be so far very... cloistered... I'm afraid, and so where the climate of the house is concerned, I lack the political acumen of some of my housemates. "

"If anyone could enlighten me, I'd appreciate it -- I really have entered the house at intermission and I'd hate to do anything to cause additional strife in an environment already laced with tension..."

Perhaps house unity to get him ousted as Head of Slytherin But he couldn't say that, because who was the other option, Branxton or Erikson, possibly Pride. Well he would rather have Erikson than Pride or Forrester. "I think that is a good idea Sir." He didn't even know what he was agreeing to.

"What happened, my dear, is that there was a class I started called Slytherin 101. There was a particular event, and Forrester was unhappy with the whole deal. I talked with him afterward, and we discussed certain matters. Whether or not the class could continue was never decided. I stopped the classes, but some students came to me recently asking for more information. I proposed a study group for those who wanted to ask questions of me, and learn more of what I had talked about during that class. And so, here we are. Rather than the original plan, I am suggesting what you can do, if you so choose, and proposing how you could accomplish it."

He shrugged, walking along the class. "I have tried owling Forrester about the classes themselves, thinking that they could help. But I have not gotten a response. As for the mentoring program, I figured it would be something up to you students. It's not something for staff to deal with, normally, but honestly setting up a new social structure among yourselves. But with some of the propositions you students have made, which has staff involvement, it's really become more of a matter for your Head of House, Professor Forrester. Which is why I am suggesting that you, as the students, come up with a plan to present to him. Let him know you want staff involvement in improving the house. And why I would merely be around if, and only if, I am asked by the students."

"In short," he said nonchalantly, "due to extenuating circumstances, this has become a gathering called on by the students, with students, and for students. I am merely providing information that Forrester cannot provide because it is information on personal experience, and I am providing a space. By request. Why he is not here..." Armand shrugged. "Apparently, no student thought to invite him."

Cassandra froze... no student invited the head of house? "So who will talk to Forres- Professor Forrester?" She asked the group.

"I didn't think he would like to be here Sir. Too close to the earth for his liking," Marco laughed.

"I see..." Xana said, taking all this in, looking puzzled. "So... essentially... this room is serving as Hogwart's answer to Victor Hugo's ABC Cafe... and this meeting is not so much a study group, as it is an exploratory committee for organizing something of a coup d'etat in Slytherin?"

She smiled genuinely at the professor. "I'm not casting aspersions in any way -- I'm far too new to judge or have formulated any opinion on the politics of this particular microcosm. I just want to be sure I understand what is happening here... as I said, the very last thing I wish to do is to cause... trouble... for anyone."