Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling; this world and it's characters belong to her and those affiliated with her brand.

Warning: This is not a love story.

THRU the DARK

DKM

"Being good felt like a heavy coat, so I took it off."

-Naomi Shihab Nye

PROLOGUE

"Will you admit it?"

"Admit what, Granger? That I love you?"

She frowned, setting her quill down in her ink pot. "Why would I want that?"

He blinked. "You don't want me to love you?"

Sighing, Hermione drew her fingers through her hair, piling her curls into a weak bun. "I've seen what becomes of anything you love, Riddle."

Tom looked at her curiously, as though he were finally taking notice of the witch. She realized, amusement filling her to the brim, that he was only just noticing.

It was an easy assumption to make, after all. The other powerful witches in he knew wanted to be loved –logically, she would want the same thing. And she had, in the beginning; hungrily and desperately she wanted to be the only one he loved. But…that was before. Things were different now.

She knew herself. Finally.

Smiling, Hermione reached across the table, offering her hand to him. Her spine tingled as he drew his fingers over her palm. "You chose me, Tom. Because we are alike. Because we have the same desires –because, like you, I don't care to be loved- I want to be powerful."

His brows furrowed as he traced her fingers. "What would you like me to admit?"

"That you need me."

Chuckling, he asked, "And what do I get, Granger?"

She hummed, shifting in her chair, leaning slightly over the table. "You already have my affections and devotion, Tom. What more could you want?"

As he licked his lips Hermione realized that his chest was rising and falling faster than usual. It was oddly attractive: the last of his mortality, free for and vulnerable to her.

"For you to become a horcrux."

Her heart stopped cold, eyes snapping to his. It was such an odd request, made so casually and calmly. She opened her mouth to say no, but instead said, "Only if I can have the most important part of you."

He smirked, and she realized that this was what he'd always wanted. She was safe. Good. Pure. Even with all of her darkness, she was still better than he was. He needed that. He needed her.

"Hermione-"

Her name sounded as though it fell from some dark place, warm and soft as it melted from his lips. Her heart began to beat again, hard and fast against the fragile bones of her chest. It fucking hurt. It'd never been like this before.

"That's all I have left."

A/N: This story is quick-paced, modern, and dark. My Tom is incredibly likeable, and equally dangerous. This Hermione is a bit annoying (no surprise there), and her faults are obvious (but she grows a lot throughout the story).
If you read the Xmas challenge submitted to the Tomione Kink Meme, you'll notice similarities in characters and in writing style; if you are familiar with any of my other stories, this one is very different. What you see is really what you get with this story. I will gladly answer any questions, but as a general rule I would say not to think too much about anything you already know.
There are roughly 5 parts to this, each one a little shorter than the last. It is abrupt and heartbreaking. I'll provide warnings at the top of the page, should they be required.

This is for the Tomione Big Bang, Part 1. Hopefully everyone can enjoy!

Prompt: (I lost the whole one, so in summary) Tom and goody-two-shoes Hermione have had nothing to do with each other throughout their Hogwarts career. Prof. Merrythought assigns a Magical Aptitude test on the first day of 7th year DADA, claiming that it's good to know if you have an affinity for light or dark curses and counters. Tom spells his grey; Hermione's turns 'blacker than burnt carbon and the space between the stars.' Tom is intrigued.
(I have admittedly prob gone completely off course and I'm sorry if I butchered your prompt.)