It could be that Draco comforts Hermione by telling her that everything will be okay and promising to be there for her. Or, he might bring her a favorite treat or a comforting object to cheer her up.
Often, Draco could use kind gestures like giving her a handkerchief or sitting quietly beside her to show support. Sometimes, he might even share his own vulnerabilities to make her feel less alone.
Ron could bring Hermione her favorite snack or a cup of hot chocolate and stay by her side, telling her how much she means to him and how they'll get through whatever's causing her to cry together.
Perhaps he's had a falling - out with his friends. In the Slytherin house, there could be a lot of power dynamics and rivalries. If he's been betrayed by someone he thought was a friend, it would be very upsetting.
She might be initially shocked. After all, Draco is usually seen as this tough Slytherin. But then she could feel sympathy. For instance, she might offer him a handkerchief without saying much at first.
She probably comforts him right away. Hermione is a very empathetic person. She might give him a big hug and let him cry on her shoulder.
One great Hermione and Draco hurt/comfort fanfiction is 'The Green Girl' on FanFiction.net. It really delves into their complex relationship. Draco is often shown as conflicted, and Hermione is there to offer a kind of understanding that he's not used to. It's a beautifully written piece that shows how they can heal each other's emotional wounds.
One way could be through providing protection. Snape might use his position as a Hogwarts professor to keep Hermione safe from other students who are bullying her or from dark wizards lurking around. Lucius, with his wealth and influence, could offer her a safe haven outside of Hogwarts. Another way is through knowledge sharing. Snape could teach Hermione some advanced potions or dark arts defenses, and Lucius could share some of the secrets of the pure - blood wizarding families.
Another element is the transformation of their relationship. In hurt/comfort fics, it's not just about patching up physical or emotional wounds. It's about how that process changes how they view each other. For instance, Draco might start to see Hermione's kindness and intelligence in a new way, and Hermione might see a more vulnerable side to Draco. This shift is what makes the story interesting.
In a social event at Hogwarts, if Hermione feels out of place among the pure - blood families, Draco would introduce her to the more open - minded ones. He'd comfort her by whispering in her ear that she belongs there just as much as anyone else, because of her own great wizarding lineage through her magical abilities, not blood.
He might offer her a warm embrace. Physical contact can be very reassuring in such situations.
In many fanfictions, it can be a turning point. For example, it can make Draco realize that Hermione is more than just the 'know - it - all Gryffindor' he thought she was. It softens his view of her and can lead to the start of a friendship or even a romantic relationship.