Hearing that, Harry returned her gaze and took a moment before replying.
"That's all very good and noble, Mrs. Malfoy, but unfortunately I cannot help you or Draco. I'm an Auror, not a counselor. I suggest you find one of those for Draco. If he took on muggle vices perhaps he wouldn't refuse muggle methods of recovery."
He got up and started walking towards the door when Narcissa stopped him.
"We tried to offer him a similar type of help, but he refused." she said, getting up as well. "We had him in a rehabilitation facility 1 year ago when he almost overdosed on some kind of substance. As soon as he got out, though, he immersed himself in the same practices."
Harry took a deep breath before returning to Narcissa. They were face to face now.
"Mrs. Malfoy, you said Draco wasn't doing anything illegal. Then how, may I ask, was he affording to buy his precious calming substances?"
"We're not poor, yet, Mr. Potter. We gave him an allowance." Narcissa replied, frowning at Harry.
"That's perfect. Then all you have to do is stop providing him with funds and eventually he'll stop."
It's not that simple and besides, I'm not willing to take that chance. He's my son, Mr. Potter. There is nothing I am not willing to do for him" she finished, taking a small step towards Harry.
She looked at him intensely and Harry knew what she was referring to.
Years ago, before the end of the war, Narcissa Malfoy had lied to Voldermort in order to save Harry and find out if her son was alive. Harry always knew that her actions were guided more by selfish reasons than noble ones.
Still, that choice of hers had saved his life. He was never able to forget that and however frustrating it was, he somehow owed her. Or at least that's how part of him felt. The other part wanted nothing to do with either of the Malfoys ever again.
After a short inner struggle he decided he didn't like having a debt pay, regardless of how questionable the circumstances were. He threw himself onto the couch letting out a loud sigh, resembling more of a groan.
"How can I help you, Mrs. Malfoy?" he finally asked, rubbing his face tiredly.
"Well now," she said, appearing quite satisfied with the result of her persistence and taking a seat. "I would appreciate it if you could put me in touch with a counselor or someone who could help keep an eye on Draco."
"Why don't you put one of your servants or a house elf to do that? I'm pretty sure you still have one of those." Harry said in a sarcastic tone.
Narcissa Malfoy was evidently not pleased with his tone and attitude. She frowned and looked away in a dignified manner.
"I don't do that because I want someone who can stay beside him, someone who can actually help him get better, who can motivate him. Ultimately, he will need to connect to that person and for that he would have to consider her his equal, at the very least."
"That's all great." Harry almost clapped in false excitement. "But where do you intend to find this person and also how…wait a minute."
Harry stopped, suddenly realizing something. His eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Narcissa carefully. She was still looking away from him.
"You just said 'her'." he said slowly. "That means you already have someone in mind or, at least, have decided on a 'she'."
"Yes, I have," Narcissa admitted, slowly turning to face Harry. "It's not like I can leave my son in just anyone's hands, now can I? She has to be smart, strong, intelligent but also caring. She has to be someone who can contain his demons and deal with his temperament. Shortly, someone strong-willed with a temperament of her own."
There was a moment's pause while the two stared at each other, both trying to get past the other's mask. Harry was the one who eventually broke the silence.
"You are very well aware that she will never agree to something like this, right? Not in a million years."
"Not if the proposition were to come from you." Narcissa said stubbornly. "If you were to tell her…"
"Nothing would change if I do," Harry said firmly, "She hates the lot of you and for good reason. The woman was tortured in your house, in front of your entire family and you expect her to just…save Draco from his own demons?"
Harry was downright upset at this point. He knew that Malfoys had nerve, but this just surpassed even his wildest dreams. He knew who Narcissa was referring to. There was only one person who fitted that description. Only one who, he thought, would be able to withstand, outsmart and even control two Dracos, and that was Hermione Granger.
"You may find that Miss Granger has outgrown her past trauma." Narcissa said, arousing Harry from his thoughts. "Nothing bad can come from presenting her with the situation. I can offer her a home, an income and the opportunity to do some good."
Narcissa stood and gave Harry another piercing look.
"Talk to her and owl me the reply no later than next week. I will be waiting. Thank you for your time Mr. Potter."
And with that being said she left, leaving Harry dumbfounded and upset.