"I could pay you a king's ransom to shore up the wards, and there's curse-breaking to consider. The money you would earn will put the Potter name on the top ten richest wizards in magical Britain," Ragnuk enticed, seeing the interest in the boy's eyes. Not quite greed, but the need to never be poor. He knew the difference, too many wizards were just plain greedy and would try to swindle their way to riches. Then there were those, like the Weasleys, who would work to survive. He knew the oldest son did what he could to send money to the family. It was only because that that he had used the man in some private dealings. Not many, but a few. Bill Weasley was a talented employee, and a great asset to the bank. Perhaps, he would consider taking this teen under his wing. If Potter could teach Weasley what he knew, and visa-versa, then Gringotts would be much richer for it.
"What about his education?" Sirius asked, not wanting Harry to be left without his OWLs and NEWTs if something happened and he couldn't work for the bank anymore. Gringotts was not a safe environment, what with the dragons and curse object. Any number of debilitating injuries could happen. The poor kid could wind up looking like Mad-eye Moody.
"We can provide that. Tutors are plentiful if you know where to look," Ragnuk stated, waving the concern away. The bounty of muggleborns that couldn't find work was one that Gringotts kept track of and used when they could. The muggleborns would work for the minimum of wages, and not push to be paid more.
"I wouldn't have to live here, right? I could do some work at home, maybe?" Harry asked, suddenly in a much better mood. He didn't want to return to Hogwarts, there were very few good memories of that place. His friends would understand. Wouldn't they?
"I am sure something to be arranged. The charging of the wards would be a once a year event. And cursed items could be done anywhere warded. So, no, I don't see an issue with that," the king goblin said thoughtfully, going over the logistics in his mind.
"I still don't like the way that idiot over there treats customers," Harry stated, pointing to Snarlfist, who stepped forward growling.
"You must understand a bit about goblins, before you take too much offence. We are a warrior nation, stuffed into a situation that does not appease our basic fighting instinct. We have adapted as best we could, but there is still that need to fight. After the bank was open, it was understood that the wizards would not challenge us, and we would not make war. It didn't always happen, wars were fought, treaties were signed, still tensions run very high. We don't trust wizards, and they don't trust us," Ragnuk explained, holding his hand to stop the advancing goblin.
"That's a stupid way to coexist," the dark-haired wizard stated, blowing out a huff of air.
"It has been this way for centuries. It is in a goblins nature to fight those he perceives as a threat," Ragnuk stated, with a 'what can you do' gesture.
"So, if I fight the arsehole and win, then he'll leave me alone?" Harry asked, thinking it would show his strength, not all of it, he wasn't that stupid, and he'd get some prestige.
"If that is what you wish," the king goblin said, wondering how the man-child knew that that strategy would work. "I am sure something could be arranged." He face broke out in a wicked grin.
Snarlfist sneered at the boy. There was no way this slip of a child could win in a fight.
"Sure, I think I'd like that," Harry sneered back, looking the small being up and down and measuring the threat.
"Harry," Sirius whined, not liking where this was going at all.
"Deal," Ragnuk said, getting up for the table and holding out his hand to the teen.
"Deal," Harry confirmed, shaking the hand.
"In two days' time you will meet here at Gringotts and settle this tension between you two. When that is done, win or lose, we can come up with a contract for your employment," the king said, shaking the hand one more time. "Until then, I suggest you practice. Goblins are not to be taken lightly, and you will not be allowed your wand," he added.
"Not a problem," Harry assured him.
With that they all broke up, and Sirius and Harry searched for Shockhorn's office, so the name change could take place.
.....
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