One way their protectiveness shows is in the social aspect. Slytherins are known for their loyalty to their own. They would include Draco in all their activities and not let him feel left out. If there were rumors going around about Draco, they would quickly squash them. In dueling situations, they might form a protective circle around him, using their skills to keep any opponents at bay. And when it comes to academic competitions, they would support Draco wholeheartedly, even helping him study in secret if needed.
The Slytherin prefects could also play a role. They have a certain authority in the house. They would make sure Draco is following the rules in a way that protects him from getting major punishments. They might also use their influence to give Draco preferential treatment when it comes to things like getting good dormitory assignments or access to certain Slytherin resources. Their overall aim would be to keep Draco safe and well - regarded within the Slytherin community.
One reason could be that they see her intelligence as an asset. Hermione is known for her brilliant mind, and Slytherins, who value cunning and resourcefulness, might respect that. They could also recognize her strength in the face of adversity and be drawn to protect her as a way to show their own growth beyond the typical Slytherin - Gryffindor rivalry. In some fanfictions, a Slytherin might have a personal connection or debt to Hermione, which leads to their protective nature towards her.
There are quite a few. Some fanfics focus on individual Slytherin students who form an unlikely bond with Harry. They might protect him from the dark forces that are after him, seeing him as more than just the 'Chosen One' but as a friend in need. These fanfics often explore the idea that not all Slytherins are bad and can be quite heroic when it comes to protecting someone they believe in.
Snape might be protective of Draco in fanfiction because in the original series, Snape has a certain loyalty to the Slytherin house. Draco is a young Slytherin, and Snape could see a bit of his own past self in Draco. Also, Snape was tasked with some difficult and dangerous missions by Voldemort. He might want to protect Draco from getting too deeply involved in Voldemort's dark plans to spare the boy from a similar fate as his own.
One reason could be the complex relationship they have in the original series. Fanfic authors often expand on that. Maybe Draco realizes Harry's importance in the fight against the real evil, like Voldemort, and so he becomes protective. It also adds an interesting dynamic to the story, making it more appealing to readers who love exploring different character relationships.
There's also 'The Slytherin Guard for Hermione'. This fanfic shows how some Slytherins, who have grown tired of the house's bad reputation, choose Hermione as the symbol of their change. They protect her from dark wizards who target her for her Muggle - born status. It's an interesting take on how Slytherins can be allies.
There are fanfictions where a Slytherin forms a study group with Hermione. And when other students try to disrupt her studies or cause her trouble, the Slytherin stands up for her. Also, in some stories, a Slytherin who has a secret crush on Hermione will protect her from any sort of harm, whether it's from a jealous rival or a dangerous magical creature that gets loose on the school grounds.
Well, it completely flips the stereotype. Usually, Slytherins are seen as sly and self - centered. But in this fanfiction, being protective of Harry shows that they have a sense of loyalty and care that goes against the common perception.