Well, it might develop as a result of some new magic he encounters. There could be an ancient spell or a magical artifact that gives him the power to control sand. He then has to figure out how to use it. He may start with simple things like making sand swirl around his hand, and as he gets more used to it, he can do more complex things like creating sand barriers or even using the sand to communicate in some way.
The ability to control sand could be used for rescue operations. If someone is trapped under rubble or in a collapsed building, Harry could use the sand to carefully lift the debris without causing further harm. He could also use it for environmental control. For instance, if there's a drought - like situation, he could use the sand to create artificial rain clouds by using his magic on the sand's moisture content. Additionally, in battles, he could use the sand to blind his opponents by creating a sandstorm right in their faces.
Maybe he accidentally finds out when he is near some magnetic objects in Hogwarts. For example, he might notice that he can make the metal keys move towards him without using magic spells he already knew. It could be during a time when he is exploring an old, forgotten part of the castle where there are a lot of metal objects and strange magnetic fields.
In some fanfictions, it could be through an accidental encounter. Maybe he was in a situation where metal objects started to react to him unexpectedly, like when he was near a bunch of keys and they suddenly started to move towards him. This made him realize that he had this strange new power.
Perhaps he has a strange dream where he's in a world made entirely of shadows and he can manipulate them freely. When he wakes up, he starts to experiment and finds out that he can actually do the same in the real world. He might start with small things like making the shadow of a quill move on his desk, and gradually discovers the full extent of his power.
Perhaps it's through an accidental encounter with a powerful magical plant. He tries to interact with it in a normal way but ends up influencing its growth and behavior. This unexpected event makes him aware of his unique power to control nature. For example, he might touch a withering plant and suddenly it springs back to life and starts to grow rapidly under his touch.
Well, in such a fanfiction, he might control space through his magic wand. Maybe he uses a special spell that he discovers or invents, which allows him to manipulate the fabric of space, like creating portals or warping distances.
Well, it could change the whole dynamic. He might use it to manipulate enemies, like making Voldemort's followers turn on him. This would speed up the end of the war perhaps.
It's possible that through his unique connection with Voldemort. Since they were so closely linked, and Voldemort was always obsessed with cheating death, Harry might have gained the ability to control death as a sort of counterbalance to Voldemort's attempts.
In some fanfictions, it could be through intense magical training and study. Maybe he discovers an ancient spell or a hidden magical technique that allows him to assert control over the dangerous Fiendfire.
Well, it might be related to his connection with the Dark Lord. Since Voldemort was able to control the basilisk before, and Harry has a unique connection to Voldemort through the scar. This connection could be manipulated in some way in the fanfiction, allowing Harry to take over the control of the basilisk from Voldemort.