In some fanfictions, their fight might be due to a competition at Hogwarts. Maybe they are both vying for the top spot in a particular class or for a special award. Hermione's studious and competitive nature combined with Draco's pride and desire to outdo others could easily result in a fight.
Well, their fight can be a major turning point. It might drive them further apart initially, causing tension in the story. For example, it could lead to other characters taking sides, creating more conflict in the Hogwarts community within the fanfiction.
One popular theme could be the idea of redemption for Draco. In many fanfictions, he is shown to overcome his family's dark past and prejudice. Another theme might be the power of friendship or love that develops between Hermione and Draco, despite their initial differences. It could also explore how they navigate the complex wizarding world together, facing challenges from their respective houses and the general wizarding society.
In a fanfiction with this theme, it could be set post - war. Draco and Hermione find themselves in a situation where they are on the run from some dark wizards who are after them for different reasons. During their escape, Hermione gets wet and cold. Draco, having a change of heart after the war, gives her his warm cloak. This act of kindness begins to break down the barriers between them, and they start to have deeper conversations, realizing they have more in common than they thought.
Perhaps there's a fanfiction where a powerful and dark wizard from outside the school is targeting Muggle - borns. Hermione, being a Muggle - born, is understandably afraid. Draco, who has always had a complex relationship with Hermione, is conflicted. He doesn't want to see her hurt because, deep down, he has feelings for her. He ends up using his Slytherin cunning to outwit the dark wizard and keep Hermione safe.
One reason could be the traditional rivalry from the original series. In the books, they are from different houses, Slytherin and Gryffindor, which have a long - standing feud. Fanfiction writers might play on this by having Draco be mean as a continuation of that in - built tension. Another aspect could be his family upbringing. The Malfoy family has certain pure - blood supremacist views, and Hermione being a Muggle - born might be a target for Draco's meanness in fanfictions.
One common plot twist is that Hermione actually doesn't have feelings for either of them at first. She's more focused on her studies or some other important mission. But as the fight between Ron and Draco escalates, she starts to see them in a different light. Maybe she realizes that Ron's jealousy is a sign of his deeper feelings for her, or she discovers a hidden, more noble side to Draco.
Draco. He's younger and more agile. He might have learned some new spells at Hogwarts that Lucius isn't familiar with, giving him an edge in a physical fight.
She could stand up to him. Hermione is known for her intelligence and quick - wittedness. So she might use her sharp tongue and logical arguments to put Draco in his place. For example, she could expose his wrongdoings or the flaws in his pure - blood ideology.