With the holidays approaching, Hermione finds that she doesn't want to spend another one alone or any other day for that matter. Working for the Ministry of Magic has only suppressed the loneliness she feels;but recent events at work cause her to see a certain blonde haired Auror differently than she ever thought possible, despite all the history they share.

He grabbed her wrist with his left hand and pinned it above her head, pressing their forearms together, Dark Mark against Mudblood scar. Death Eater against Muggle-born. "The war left scars on both of us that we didn't ask for. But you still flinch when you see mine. And what's why I will never deserve to have you." Slow-burn Dramione. Canon compliant. EWE.