The buffet meeting with Francesca went very well, with everyone excited their opinion was being asked for - and actually listened to. Harry loved the pool idea but wanted one side of the winding ribbon of water to be straight, so it could be used for those interested in serious swimming - rather than just larking about.
Minerva asked about kitchens, and the Italian Ministry's position on house elves. Francesca as usual had the answers they were looking for at her fingertips.
"The kitchen, food preparation and storage will all be under the leg of the Pi that houses the staff quarters and assembly hall, there will also be general storage areas, utility rooms and elf quarters under there too. O ur Ministry's views on house elves are entirely different to those of Britain. The elves would be employed by the Potter Institute, rather than bonding to an individual. There are also strict rules on the treatment of any elves working here, and a formula which dictates the minimum number of elves you must employ to ensure they are not overworked."
Hearing that, Dobby then put his little hand up - looking for permission to ask a question. This was a first for Francesca. That this elf was not only invited to attend the meeting, but felt comfortable enough to ask a question, said an awful lot about the people she was dealing with here. She was delighted to let Dobby ask his question.
"Dobby knows there are elves back in Britain who have been given clothes because their families have run away. Dobby was wondering if any of them could come and work here?"
Instead of Francesca, that question had all eyes focusing on Harry. "We need to discover what the Italian Ministry's position on this is, and whether these elves would take the kind of employment bonding Francesca just mentioned. Dobby, if any of these elves are hurting, invite them here now. Even if they don't want to come and work here, we will offer them shelter until they find somewhere to settle down."
Remus immediately added this item to the list of things he needed to discuss with his contacts in the Italian Ministry. Francesca then asked if news of the new school could be published in the Italian papers, after it appeared in Britain of course. No one could dispute this would help find applicants for the posts they needed filled.
Harry instantly agreed, wondering if they should take out adverts for these posts in the papers too. Francesca joking that, if Harry gave them an interview, the Institute would get those adverts for free saw the young man in question reach an instant decision.
"Remus, the Ministry is pushing for us to visit them - can we tie that in with a press conference?"
This had Remus laughing. "They're still politicians, Harry. I don't think there will be any problems organising that, the opportunity of getting their picture in the press - standing beside you - practically guarantees it."
This move of his godson's intrigued Sirius. "What's the plan? I know you hate publicity - almost as much as you hate your fame."
The smile on Harry's lips reminded both marauders' of his father, James, just before he pulled a prank. "We're going on a charm offensive. We want the country to know we're here to stay, and this is not some little rich boy's latest fad. Francesca, we'd love if you could be there with us too. Again, letting the country know we're using Italian everything in the construction of the Institute. The Headmistress and her Deputy should make an appearance as well. We can't predict or control what stories will start to come out of Britain about us, but I want the Italian people to know exactly what we're doing here. After the story breaks in The Quibbler, the Potter Institute will have nothing to hide."
With only Francesca there not knowing about horcruxes, everyone else understood what was being said here. Harry might have secrets but the school wouldn't.
After everyone had their say, and also their fill from the buffet, Hermione mentioned them all going shopping tomorrow. To say the teens were excited would be a gross understatement. Hearing that Sirius would be accompanying them, Francesca offered to show them around Naples, since it was her home city - if they could leave after ten am. She had a meeting first thing in the morning that couldn't be broken. Harry tried to keep a straight face as the silent pleading in Sirius' eyes would put Padfoot to shame. Harry saying that would be great, and much appreciated left his godfather wanting to turn into his dog form to howl in delight - while wagging his tail like mad.
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