The Explanation

                                        

                                              
The Explanation

Eventually, Draco's eyes opened, and he looked up at Harry, so vulnerable that Harry's heart broke a little. He gently wiped his face with another warm, damp cloth he conjured. Draco didn't usually crack so much.
"I'm sorry. I'll definitely be talking to George about bringing up your trauma around you... especially in the workplace, okay?" Harry said, taking Draco's hand and touching his face with the other.
Draco gave a weak smile. "Thanks. I-I just wasn't prepared... I wasn't expecting it from him. Other people... sure. I expect hexes, insults and taunts from the others... and block it out, but he... he never was cruel. And he had just pranked me."
"And you got him back... hard...."
Draco's eyes watered. "I was so angry... and I couldn't stop myself. Everyone was laughing at someone who wasn't me for once. I didn't realize... I went too far."
Harry stroked his hair, again. "That's why we have rules and punishments... so we can get through these moments, okay? But I'm not kidding when I say that if you retaliate that cruelly, again, you won't be able to sit for a bloody week."
Draco gave a smile but grimaced, imagining the pain. Harry had punished him that hard before. Harry always insisted that the punishment fit the crime, and he always warned Draco and set expectations. The last time he broke a rule, Harry only spanked him five times. This time it was ten.
"Might not be able to sit now," Draco mumbled.
Harry raised an eyebrow and slipped back into his role a little. "Your Probation Agreement was clear on the increment increasing of punishments," he said, kissing Draco's forehead.
Draco snorted. "Yes, it wasn't clear on a great many things when I signed it."
"It was very clear," Harry said, smiling.
"Clear enough that there was a clause that said I couldn't have a copy or read it again, unless you approved it?" he huffed, annoyed.
"Yeah... you were a bit quick to sign it."
Draco blushed. "I'll never sign another thing without reading it, again."
"Good choice... as everyone reads the terms and conditions."
Draco glared up at him. "I didn't think it would have clauses like that!"
"That's the trouble then! You thought again," Harry joked, and Draco rolled his eyes as he pressed up against Harry.
"It's been two years. How long am I expected to be on probation?" he grumbled.
Harry gave him an assessing look. "It took two years for you to ask that."
Draco frowned. "What?"
"You are right. It was way too long. It wasn't meant to last this long," Harry whispered, sensing the end.
"Then why?" Draco asked, confused.
"Because... you decide when you're off probation."
Draco looked at him, confused. "What? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"
"You wanted this. It wasn't just to placate George. You asked for structure and instructions on how to act. Honestly, you needed it."
Draco grimaced and nodded. "I was a right bastard after the war... and I didn't want to get fired."
"And George wanted to make sure that you behaved. It wasn't perfect, but it put your salty attitude in check."
"You wouldn't let me read it after!"