One common plot is that Snape discovers Hermione's depression due to her overwork and the pressure of being a Muggle - born in a sometimes hostile wizarding world. He then takes it upon himself to mentor her in a way, teaching her how to better manage her stress and deal with the discrimination she faces. Another plot could be that Hermione is depressed because of a personal loss, like the death of a friend, and Snape, who has his own experiences with loss, helps her through it in an unexpected way.
Often, there's a plot where Hermione's depression is related to her feeling like she doesn't belong in Hogwarts or the wizarding world fully. Snape, being an outcast in his own way, finds her in a moment of vulnerability and starts to help her find her place. He might introduce her to some of the more hidden aspects of magic that she hadn't explored before, which gives her a new sense of purpose. Sometimes, the story also involves a bit of a slow - burn relationship where they start to understand and trust each other more as Snape helps Hermione with her depression.
One place to look could be Fanfiction.net. It has a vast collection of Harry Potter fanfictions. Just use the search bar and type in 'Snape finds depressed Hermione' and you might find some relevant stories. Another option is Archive of Our Own (AO3). It's known for its large and diverse range of fan works, and it has a good tagging system that can help you narrow down the search to find the specific type of story you're interested in.
A common theme could be redemption. Snape, who has a complex and often - dark past, might find in Hermione a chance to redeem himself in some way. Maybe he saves her from a danger in the dungeon, which starts his journey towards a more positive path. Another theme is the exploration of hidden knowledge. The dungeon is full of secrets, and both Snape and Hermione are curious minds. They could uncover something that changes their understanding of Hogwarts or the wizarding world.
One common plot is Snape trying to protect Hermione secretly. Another is them having deep, intellectual conversations that gradually lead to romantic feelings.
One possible plot could be that Hermione is struggling with the pressures of her studies and the ongoing battle against the Dark Arts. Snape, being a complex character, might notice her distress in his own way. Maybe he initially dismisses it but then realizes she's in a deeper state of depression. He could then use his knowledge of potions to try and help her, leading to an unexpected bond between them.
One common theme is his unrequited love for Lily. His love for her that could never be fulfilled often leads to his depressive states in fanfictions. It's like a constant source of pain for him.
Often, the plot starts with Hermione showing signs of depression, like isolation or a drop in academic performance. Then Snape notices. He may be initially reluctant to get involved but his sense of duty as a teacher or some hidden softness makes him step in.
One common plot is that Snape discovers baby Harry after the death of his parents and decides to secretly protect him. He might use his skills in potions and magic to keep Harry safe from the dark forces that are still after him. Another plot could be Snape finding Harry in a more accidental way, like during one of his forays into the Forbidden Forest. He then has to decide what to do with the baby, knowing his complex relationship with Harry's father.
Another plot could involve Snape finding the map and realizing that it holds secrets about Hogwarts that could be used against Dumbledore. However, as he delves deeper, he discovers that the Marauders had a deeper connection to the school's secrets than he thought. This could make him question his own understanding of the school and its history, and also his relationship with the Marauders.
One popular 'Snape finds Hermione' fanfiction is 'A Prince's Tale'. It delves into an alternate scenario where Snape discovers Hermione's hidden talents in a more personal way. The story has great character development and a well - crafted plot that keeps readers engaged.
Well, perhaps Hermione starts debating with Snape about magical theories during class. She might bring up new research or different interpretations that go against what Snape has been teaching for years. Like, when Snape is talking about the properties of a certain magical plant, Hermione could say 'But Professor, I've read in an old wizarding journal that the plant has additional properties that we're not considering.' This would surely annoy Snape as he's not used to being challenged in such a way.