One plot idea could be a time - travel fanfic where Harry Potter goes back in time and tries to prevent Tom Riddle from becoming Voldemort. He could attempt to befriend the young Riddle and guide him towards a different path, perhaps by showing him the value of love and friendship early on.
Well, in some fanfics, their relationship can be portrayed as a mentor - mentee relationship in reverse. Instead of Dumbledore mentoring Harry, Harry could try to mentor the young Tom Riddle. Harry would use his own experiences of overcoming darkness to guide Riddle away from the path of evil.
One common theme is the clash of ideologies. Hermione is all about justice, knowledge, and using magic for good, while Tom Riddle has his dark and power - hungry motives. Their interactions often highlight this contrast. For example, in many fanfictions, Hermione tries to persuade Tom to abandon his dark ways, leading to intense debates.
One common theme is the exploration of his dark past. Writers often dig deep into his childhood, his time at Hogwarts, and how he became the Dark Lord. Another theme is power. How he sought it, how it corrupted him, and what could have been different if he didn't crave it so much.
One interesting fanfiction could be 'The Unlikely Alliance'. In this, Tom Riddle, before fully becoming Voldemort, and Hermione find themselves in a situation where they have to work together to solve a mystery that threatens the wizarding world. Their different perspectives, Hermione's knowledge and Tom's raw power, create a fascinating dynamic.
One great 'Harry Potter Tom Riddle Fanfiction' is 'The Heir of Slytherin's Redemption'. It shows a different side of Tom Riddle, exploring what could have happened if he had been given a chance at a different path. It has a really interesting plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
A fanfic might explore how Harry Potter and Tom Riddle discover they are soulmates. It could start with strange dreams or premonitions that Harry has about Tom. As they get closer, they realize that their destinies are intertwined. This could lead to a conflict within the wizarding world as many would be against their union, seeing Tom as the future Voldemort, but Harry believes in the power of their soulmate bond to change Tom for the better.
One popular idea in such fanfiction could be that Harry, through some magical time - turning or alternate reality scenario, discovers Tom Riddle before he fully becomes Voldemort. Harry might see the good in Tom that was lost over time and tries to prevent his fall to the dark side. Their soulmate connection could be a powerful force that draws them together, even as their destinies seem so opposed.
One great 'Harry Potter' Tom Riddle slash fanfiction is 'The Heir of Slytherin's Heart'. It delves deep into the complex relationship between Harry and Tom Riddle. The author does an amazing job of exploring their characters in a new light, with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I'm not sure if it's popular. It's a rather niche and unusual concept, so it might not have a wide following. But in the world of fanfiction, there are always small groups of people interested in unique and out - of - the - ordinary ideas.