There's a fic where the Slytherins take Hermione under their wing during a particularly dangerous time at Hogwarts. They start to respect her for her knowledge of magic and her courage. They form an unlikely alliance with her, and the story shows how they use their Slytherin cunning to keep her safe from dark forces that are lurking in the school. It's a story that really plays with the idea of different house relationships in the Harry Potter universe.
One key element is the change in the Slytherin characters. Usually, in the original series, there's a lot of rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor where Hermione belongs. So in these fics, the Slytherins have to change their views, like realizing Hermione's worth despite her being a Gryffindor and a Muggle - born. For example, they might see how her intelligence can benefit them all in the long run.
One great Hermione and Slytherins fanfiction is 'A Different Sort of Bond'. It explores the relationship between Hermione and a group of Slytherins in a really interesting way. The characters are well - written and it shows how Hermione can break the stereotypes associated with Gryffindors and Slytherins.
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.
Well, in some versions, they might use their knowledge of the castle's secret passages to lead the troll away from Hermione. They could also work together as a team, using their Slytherin cunning to outwit the troll.
One great fanfiction with this plot is 'Slytherin's Compassion'. In it, a group of Slytherins come across an injured Hermione in the Forbidden Forest. They initially have mixed reactions but end up helping her. It shows a different side of the Slytherin house.
The allure also lies in the exploration of Hogwarts house politics. Fanfictions in this genre often break the traditional boundaries between houses. They show that students from Gryffindor and Slytherin can work together, fall in love, or form strong friendships. It gives readers a new perspective on the wizarding world that J.K. Rowling created, which is very appealing.
In some fanfictions, Hermione might befriend a Slytherin who is an outcast in their own house. Maybe this Slytherin doesn't believe in the pure - blood supremacy ideals that some of their housemates do. Hermione, seeing their different perspective, decides to reach out. Their friendship then causes a stir among both Gryffindors and Slytherins, but they don't let it stop them from growing closer.
One reason could be that they recognize her intelligence and see it as an asset. They might want to form an alliance with her, and comforting her is the first step. For example, in a war - torn Hogwarts, they know Hermione's strategic mind could be useful, so they reach out to comfort her to gain her trust.
One common theme is breaking stereotypes. Slytherins are often seen as the 'bad guys' in the original Harry Potter series, but in these fanfictions, they care for Hermione, which goes against that perception.