In a Christmas - themed story, Hermione could be developed by having her face her prejudices towards Draco. She has always seen him as a Slytherin snob, but during Christmas, she sees his vulnerable side. Maybe he has a difficult family situation during the holidays. Draco, on the other hand, could develop by learning from Hermione's kindness. He could start to become more empathetic and less judgmental of those outside of his Slytherin circle.
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.
Maybe in the fanfiction, Draco is feeling lonely during Christmas break at Hogwarts as his family is in a bit of turmoil. Hermione notices this and decides to be kind. She invites him to join her and her friends for a Christmas celebration in the Gryffindor common room. At first, Draco is hesitant but then he realizes how much fun it can be to be part of a different kind of 'family' for the holidays.
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 possible plot could be that during a Christmas at Hogwarts, Hermione and Draco are paired for a special Christmas project. At first, they're hesitant and a bit hostile towards each other. But as they work together, they start to see different sides of each other. Draco might show his more vulnerable side, perhaps missing his family during the holidays. Hermione, with her kind heart, begins to understand him better. Eventually, they end up having a newfound respect for one another and share a quiet Christmas moment together, looking at the snow - covered Hogwarts grounds.
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.
One alternative theme could be a time - travel story where Hermione and Draco are sent back in time and have to work together to preserve the wizarding world's history. It's a fun way to explore their characters in a new setting.
In a different fanfiction, Hermione could be afraid of a prophecy that involves her and Draco. The prophecy seems to foretell doom and destruction. She's terrified of what might come to pass. Draco, who also hears about the prophecy, tries to comfort her. He tells her that prophecies can be misinterpreted and that they can change their fate together. He starts to work with Hermione to figure out a way to avoid the bad outcomes predicted by the prophecy.