Disclaimer: As always, HP characters belong to J.K. Rowling. Yes, I realize my characters are a bit AU and I also realize some of you may be like "wtf?" i kind of agree. But, you must remember, they have been working together for four years and are now civil with one another: its called growing up after a war changes your life.

Both Hermione and Draco are single. the epilogue never happened, yet everything else did.

Authors Note: This story was posted on my HPFF account. I am posting it here also. Eventually the story will be revised and updated. TY

Chapter 1

His Last Request

Hermione jumped as the door behind her closed. Shaking her head, she continued through the cold corridor that led pass the prisoners that lay within Azkaban. She kept her head low and her hood up. Her cloak did its job, hiding her face from the prisoners who leered at her.

She rose her head a fraction of an inch, just enough to see some of the prisoners. It was amazing some of their differences. Some of them were curled into a ball, others were screaming, some were mumbling to themselves, shaking their heads, others were glaring daggers in her direction.

"Thinks she's better than us," A man whispered as she walked by.

"I am" She hissed back. Her left hand was curled tight into a fist, her wand hand was curled tight around the shaft of her own wand. She kept walking, her eyes roaming over the prisoners, looking for the face she was wanting to see.

"Funny, a mudblood thinking she's better than some of us purebloods." It was the voice she was looking for. The drawl that matched the voice she had heard for seven years of her life at Hogwarts and four years afterwards. It made her hair stand up on her arms as she stopped and pivoted facing directly into a dark cell where a man lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

He was doing better than some of the other prisoners. She noted how his cold grey eyes stared at the ceiling, how his blonde hair lay around him, getting longer with each passing day. Her eyes narrowed on him as he sat up and looked at her. His pale sharp features caught her eye and she tried not to cringe on the inside.

"Lucius" She nodded. Her voice was soft and musical. It filled the air and made some of the prisoners who were muttering beside Lucius quiet.

"Ms. Granger" He said, standing and putting his hands on the bars that separated them. He was a full head taller than her, just like his son Draco, her boss. "How is my son?"

"As insufferable as it gets," Hermione smirked, she'd picked that up from Draco. She was his second-in-command, which meant they were with each other almost every day and sadly, every moment. "Actually, he's quite angry with me for taking today off so unexpectedly." It was her way of telling Mr. Malfoy to get to the point.

"Well, it's not as if you Aurors are too busy these days," Lucius whispered, dismissing his sons distress as if it were nothing.

"We're busy rebuilding… still" Hermione's eyes had narrowed as she jutted her chin out. She had no idea why Lucius had an owl sent to her, formally telling her that he requested her presence at his cell in Azkaban as soon as possible. He'd even said please… and Hermione was curious.

"How have you been, Ms. Granger?" He asked.

"Mr. Malfoy, I am no t one for pleasantry when I have a mission. Please do not attempt civil conversation with me, I am here on business. You have advised me to seek you out immediately; I have done as you asked. Please spare me of the ridiculous bullshit that society expects people to have. We have nothing in common, nor will we ever have anything in common, so please, tell me what exactly you summoned me for." Her voice was cold and she watched Lucius eyes grow wide as she spoke.

"Impressive… you have most certainly been spending time with Draco." His smile was pained. "Please understand that my son means everything to me and that is why I have summoned you."

"What?" Hermione threw her eyebrows up and crossed her arms. She quickly fixed her expression into a cold glare. "What does that have to do with me?"

"Everything, Ms. Granger, absolutely everything," He whispered looking down. Suddenly he looked up at her and his face hardened and she almost took a step back. He looked exactly like Draco in that moment. "Everything I've taught him, everything he knows, it is so wrong. I have written him a letter. I would like you to take it to him. Please." He turned and went back to the bed that lay on the floor and searched through it; looking for the letter he'd just finished writing.

"Why me?"

"You're with him every single day, girl. Who else but you? Draco has no one and I am very much aware of that. After I was sentenced to the kiss in the next week and Narcissa went into hiding, Draco has all but been forgotten. I have given him all the Malfoy fortune, everything. He needs it, but Miss Granger, wealth is not everything." Lucius whispered the last part, handing Hermione the letter.

Her lips parted, "What do you want me to do?"

He smiled, a slow, smoldering, secret smile. "I want you to help Draco. I don't want him to live the old ways. Tell him to forget it all. The blood lines, everything. I want you to help Draco find love again."

"You really are out of your bloody to mind to think that your son, my boss and pain in my ass, will actually listen to me about blood lines. Not to mention the idea of us having a conversation about love" She scoffed.

"Ms. Granger, you are the closest woman to Draco in his life right now." He said.

"How do you know that?" She hissed.

"I know my son. I know that you are his second-in-command, therefore, you are thrown together by neither of your own will. Draco is empty. Please fill him again. This is why I don't want you to simply have a conversation with him about love. I want you, Ms. Granger, to be my future daughter in-law, even if I am not alive to see the day." He smiled a sad smile.

Hermione broke his smile with a harsh laugh, "you think that I am going to marry your prat of a son. I can hardly stand to be in the same office as the bloke, let alone the same bed."

"You're so perfect for each other…"

"I am a muggleborn, Mr. Malfoy, and because of your teachings to your son, I am beneath him."

"Well, Draco hasn't always listened to me, now has he?"

"Excuse me?"

"If Draco listened to everything I have told him, he would be sitting in the cell beside me" Lucius whispered. "I thank Merlin every day for his stubbornness."

"You do realize that trying to put Draco and I together romantically, that would be the end of the world as we know it." Hermione couldn't help the small smile on her face. She felt a cold hand grab hers and she tensed immediately as she stared directly into Lucius' eyes.

"Please. Draco knows neither love nor kindness. His mother is gone and I am to receive the kiss in a week. Draco has no one. You could fill that void, for me; give my son a reason to live. I'm begging you Ms. Granger, help Draco renounce the old ways, let him have a love as pure as Lily Potters for her son. Give him a chance; you really are not so different. The boy can love, I've seen it. The love for his mother and myself was so very strong, you must understand, I cannot let my son grow into someone like me. I pushed everyone away for so long, please. Don't let him be like me." He voice broke on the last word and tears filled his eyes. Hermione's heart ached. She stared down at the pale hand that gripped her arm so strongly for such a weak man.

"I'll try." Hermione whispered.

Lucius dropped her hand, "That is all I can ask of you."

"Draco wont like this" Hermione whispered.

"He's stubborn. Just get through to him, make him angry, make him bend and break for you Ms. Granger, you have to break through every barrier I have instilled in him." He sighed, grabbing another piece of paper from his pocket. "On the night of your wedding, please give him this" He whispered, sliding a much heavier, thicker envelope through the bars.

"How are you so confident?" Hermione asked, tearing her eyes away from the envelope to stare into his eyes.

"Now that is a simple question. I'm asking a favor from the strongest and smartest witch alive. Hermione Granger, you will one day be the first muggleborn in my family. You will break the strong blood line and in doing so, you will be doing a great favor to my family." Lucius smiled at her then, a real smile that reached his eyes.

"What brought all of this on?" Hermione asked.

"It was the colorful way Draco spoke of you when home for the holidays. The way he noticed every little detail about you; the poor boy was so lost in his hatred for you he couldn't see how much he truly admired and adored you. Narcissa and I could. Now it's your job to get him to realize it."

"I'll do it" Hermione whispered. She met his eyes, her face set, "Whatever it takes."

"You had better run along." Lucius nodded, the smile coming away from his face, the cold indifference setting back in. Hermione turned to leave, "I wish I could be alive to see you as my daughter in-law" he whispered as she began the long walk out of the prison.

Hermione's mind was racing as she began walking away. She had no idea what she had just gotten herself into. Somehow, she knew Mr. Malfoy was right; she did need to save Draco and herself. She had never thought she could try to be with him but now, she knew she must. She was going to give herself to Draco Malfoy; she'd break the second strongest wizard she had ever known. She was going to make her boss love her; love her so much that it practically broke his heart.

Draco gritted his teeth as he stared at the words written on the parchment sent to him earlier that morning.

Something came up, I wont be at work today. You'll live.

Hermione

He threw the note down and folded his arms, glaring around his office. Exactly who the hell did she think she was? She talked to him as if she were the boss and not the other way around. Everyone else who worked under him would shuffle nervously in his presence, speak only when spoken too and keep to themselves. They were terrified to even think the words 'day off' and here she was, sending him an owl, informing him that she would not make it in today. Not only was it totally rude and unprofessional, she also had made the comment 'you'll live' stating that she didn't give a damn if he was angry with her or not.

He let a slow growl through his lips. True, she never asked for a day off. True, she was always 15 minutes early. True, every case he came to a halt on, she figured out the problem. True, she was his second, which meant she did have more priority then everyone else. But she was still underneath him.

Leaning back and shutting his eyes, he began to wonder where the hell she was and what in the bloody hell was more important than being at his side. They were working on a huge case and she knew it. She knew he couldn't afford her to be away from the office. Whatever it was, it had to be important.

He heard something slap down on his desk and a small 'hmph'.

"I leave for a day and your sleeping on your job" He recognized her voice instantly. Opening his eyes he stared at the pretty brunette who had truly gone from being a complete frog to a princess. She was tall, thin, and lean. She had perfect curves and complete self confidence. He noticed her apparel.

"What's with the midnight black cloak, Hermione?" He asked suddenly, focusing on her face. She shook her head and lowered her hood, her long brown hair flowing into perfect tendrils. He looked at her lips and the perfect teeth behind them as she slowly bit her lip. His eyes found hers and for a brief second he saw hesitation, then hardness strike back into the beautiful depths of her eyes.

"I was summoned to Azkaban today." She said, crossing her arms.

His heart almost stopped. "What? Did you go there alone?" She nodded her reply. "Are you absolutely fucking mental women, are you trying to get yourself killed? You do realize that we have put half of those wizards and witches there."

"Yes, I was there too, remember" She shrugged, as if it was no big deal, "And don't call me mental and don't swear at me, Draco."

"Don't scold me. You're the one who is in trouble here. I had no notice whatsoever of your absence, I get this note that all but says sod off, and then you end up showing up here after being absent all day. Then you tell me that you went to Azkaban unaccompanied..."

"I am not a child. We graduated next to each other in our training. The highest ranking in our class, perfect marks, Draco Malfoy, you know damn well that I do not need a body guard."

"I know you are smart, that's why I am wondering what you were thinking. You know better Hermione, hell I know better. We're a team; I would never go there without you. You should have taken me." Draco glared at the women. Didn't she get it? She'd made herself vulnerable. "You could have been killed."

Draco looked up at the silence that followed. Hermione was studying him, her eyes narrowing and then relaxing. She bit her lower lip and then slowly began to smile.

"What are you smiling at?" He asked. He really wasn't in the mood for her mood swings.

"Are you done?" She laughed. She actually laughed at him.

"Ms. Granger.. " He growled. She stopped laughing but still smiled a beautiful smile at him. Then she tapped the envelope on his disk. He glanced down and saw the word "Dragon" written in elegant cursive. "My father… you went to see my father?" A hollow feeling bit up in his chest. His dad, he tried to forget the man that he loved so much and loathed at the same time.

"He wanted me to give this to you" Hermione said.

"Why did he send for you and not me?" Draco asked.

"Don't be foolish, Draco, we both know you wouldn't have gone." She said. He saw the curiosity in her gaze.

"I'm not reading it while you're in here" He said.

"Kill joy" Hermione said. He stared at her for a second and she sighed. "You're serious? But we share the same office, how about I just go to my desk and you can read your letter."

"Hermione… I'm asking for privacy." I held her eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Then take it as a demand from your boss, get out." He hated using that tone with her. He hated watching her eyes narrow on his and all laughter leave her face.

"You'll never change." She hissed and as she was walking away he heard another whisper, "Lucius will never have what he wants."

"Excuse me?" I asked her.

"None of your damn business, your majesty" She jeered back at him, slamming the door behind her.

"You should really stop offending your partner like that" One of the portraits behind his desk spoke to him. He turned to see Craven Kilowski and Adyssen Hart staring at him. Craven had spoken. The high soprano voice of Adyssen then hit his ears.

"You'll never work in perfect harmony if you don't treat her like your equal." Adyssen nodded.

"Excuse me, but did I ask you?" He shook his head and sighed. If there was one thing he liked about muggles, it was that their portraits at least didn't talk.

He turned to the envelope in his hand and sighed, opening the letter from his father.

My Son,

I have wasted away here in Azkaban for some time. I want to graciously thank you for finally sending word that after I have been given the kiss, the guards can kill me. I know that it was rough on you, making the decision and watching my death slip through your fingers. Do not blame yourself.

You are probably wondering why I asked Ms. Granger to come and see me. I had business to speak with her and I am hoping it all goes well. I've heard she's your second, hope it's not too taxing on you.

The real reason for this letter is that it will truthfully be my last request. Draco Malfoy, forget the old ways in which I have taught you. In the end, it destroyed me. It matters not, whether your pureblood, muggleborn, or even a traitor like the Weasleys. The bloodline of a person does not register with how great of a wizard or witch they will be.

Do not be afraid to show emotion. It, alas, is not a weakness. Love for all that your heart is worth, and do not hold back. Do not be afraid to let someone into your heart. I let Narcissa into mine. She was the best decision I ever made, it also led me to you.

My son, marry a wonderful girl. Do not think twice about her bloodline. If she is what you want, go after her. Do not let her slip through your fingers.

Friendships will not make you break. It is a hard thing to hold a friendship when you want to keep emotions at bay, but friends are a wonderful thing to have in your life.

Anything heartless or shortcoming, please forget. Do not feel as if you would ever shame me for anything you have done. I am thankful every day for the light that shone so brightly in you.

I love you and your mother so dearly. I will miss you both. I have requested the kiss to be moved up to tomorrow. The closer it is, the better.

I am so very proud to call you my son. Imagine, my son the head of the Aurors. Please, listen to what I beg of you, let go of the old ways.

If you do this for me, I will rest peacefully.

I love you,

Dad

Draco choked on the tears that threatened to fall. It was the first time and the last time he would ever know that his dad could even think the words I love you. His dad said he'd move the kiss up to tomorrow. Draco rubbed his face and grabbed his cloak, throwing the letter into his desk.

Walking from the room, he spotted the brunette.

"Granger" He said. His voice was firm and he stared straight at her. She walked over to him. "Get your cloak back on."

"What?" She stared at him, seeing the tears threatening to fall from his eyes. He blinked and his vulnerability was gone.

"I said grab your shit, we're going to Azkaban, now" He waited for a few moments as she gathered her things and walked back over to him. His other employee were staring at him, he narrowed his eyes, "Don't you all have work to do?" The cold ice in his voice was like a jolt for the Aurors. They all went back to what they were doing, not daring to look up. He shifted his gaze to Hermione. His eyes hit hers as he grabbed her hand.

Then he shut his eyes and apparated them both to Azkaban. His eyes fell on Hermione as she shivered slightly. "You will not speak of what happens here, do you understand me?" His whisper was deadly.

"Yes sir." She whispered back, and he walked around her, not looking back to see if she was following. He didn't need too. He still hadn't let go of her hand.

End Chapter One