Gringotts and Hiring

"Finally, hiring," Harry brought up the last item on his mental list. "As I mentioned earlier, we would love to hire from Gringotts Professors in Warding, Finances, Curse Breaking, and the Goblin language. However, those are just a few of the many new hires we will be making."

"To that end, we would like to contract the services of Gringotts. You are in a better position than we to know what is a reasonable salary for these positions. We would also ask for your assistance in determining where the pay of our current employees falls, so that we may adjust them accordingly. And you are more likely to attract some of the teachers we need who are… shall we say… less conventional. We want to hire teachers with a wide variety of experiences for our students, so, barring Death Eaters, all beings will be considered as professors."

Harry allowed himself a small smirk for the shock he created with that declaration. "Also, we need assistance with drawing up the hiring contracts, revising our tuition assistance policies and the subsequent contracts, and dealing with those companies who currently operate in Hogsmeade. In that priority order."

"What is wrong with Hogsmeade?" Minister Bones asked.

"We own that land," Harry explained. "Any residents or businesses can only rent the land, and that rent is to be paid into the Founders' accounts. I suspect that those in Hogsmeade have either forgotten this and are paying nothing for their premises, or someone long ago illegally 'sold' them our land. Again, if they have entered into an agreement in good faith, we will work with them towards a solution. However, if not, then we will ask that the full weight of Gringotts and the DMLE be brought to bear."

"On a similar note, Griphook," Harry added, "Hermione mentioned something about my parents' house in Godric's Hollow being a memorial or some such. I certainly didn't authorize that, and I want to know who, if anyone, did."

"Of course," Griphook made a note.

Warclaw finished his own notes and looked back at Harry. "We will, of course, work with you on all of these points, Lord Slytherin. I assume you have already advertised for the positions?"

"Yes. We sent out notices to the media two days ago. Among other things, the course-load of each position is changing. Hermione is meeting with the current staff today to discuss which professors would like to remain at Hogwarts, and in which modified position. Once those decisions have been made, we intend to start hiring immediately."

Harry waved his hand and a packet appeared on the table. "This is a list of all the positions we are creating. As the current staff make their pick and as new professors are hired it will automatically update."

"Each full time professor will be expected to cover eight units of class, with two units free. They will also be expected to fulfil two non-teaching positions; one as a student advisor or administrator, and one as the sponsor of a club or sport. Part-time professors, of course, will be exempted from the non-teaching requirement, though if they wish to assist in those areas their pay will be adjusted accordingly."

"How many teachers do you intend to hire?" Madam Bones asked, glancing across the table at the thick packet.

"Approximately forty, including current staff. Though with the part-timers it will vary slightly."

"Forty!" Madam Bones gasped. "Hogwarts currently has only twenty professors!"

"Thirteen professors and four staff." Harry corrected. "And that is far too few. With smaller classes, the students can progress at a faster pace, meaning they will have more time for electives. With a smaller load for each teacher, they will be able to get to know their students better and improve the relationships and accountability between students and professors. Part of the reason our competition in Ireland and Wales do so well in the IWC rankings is that they have fewer students and more teachers, allowing the students to move at a faster pace and individualize their load."

Madam Bones frowned, but didn't object.

Warclaw gathered up his documents, including the new packet from Harry. "We shall return to Gringotts and begin implementing your requests immediately, Lord Slytherin," he said.

"Thank you. Then I shall check in with the warding, curse breaking, and auror teams and see if they need my assistance," Harry quickly bid the goblins goodbye and then escorted the Minister to the edge of the apparition ward. As he walked to and from the gate, Adelyte took the opportunity to stretch her muscles, but then spent the rest of the day again curled around his wrist.

Harry checked on the aurors and found them just finishing up on the third floor. Shacklebolt assured Harry that, barring any unexpected problems, they should finish with the interior by the end of the day. All of the dark items would be placed in the designated room beside the Heirs' offices. Pleased with that, Harry went in search of the Curse Breakers and found them investigating the Defense room. They waved off his help, so he returned to his new office to check in with the warders.

Here Harry found his help welcomed, as Sharptooth wanted a closer look at the ward boundaries. Given the options of brooms or thestrals, the goblin chose the latter, bemoaning the fact that British wizards had banned flying carpets, which were excellent for team surveying. Once mounted, Harry took them on a quick tour of the boundaries he had known so well in the past.