An old acquaintance from Dumbledore's youth, someone who has a long - held grudge against him. Maybe Dumbledore did something in his younger days that this person still hasn't forgiven. They find out where he is at Hogwarts and send a Howler to finally let out all their pent - up anger.
It could be Severus Snape. He has a complex relationship with Dumbledore. Maybe Snape discovers some of Dumbledore's plans that he doesn't agree with regarding Harry Potter. He then sends a Howler in a fit of anger to express his disapproval.
In the fanfiction, the Howler could be a warning from an unknown dark force. Dumbledore has been making moves to counter the rising dark magic in the wizarding world. This dark force, not wanting to be thwarted, sends a Howler as a form of intimidation. The Howler could contain veiled threats and references to past events that only Dumbledore would understand.
His mother could send the howler. In the wizarding world, mothers can be quite fierce when it comes to family reputation and she might be unhappy with Sirius's actions or friends.
Perhaps another student, like Hermione, could send the Howler in a very creative twist in the fanfiction. Maybe she has found out that Draco is planning something malicious against the Gryffindors and uses the Howler as a way to threaten him into stopping.
Hermione could be the sender. If Snape has made some unfair judgment in class against Gryffindor students, Hermione, with her strong sense of justice, might send a howler to him to voice her protest.
It could be Professor Snape. He often had a contentious relationship with Harry, and if Harry did something that Snape thought was particularly wrong or against school rules in a way that affected Snape's interests, he might send a Howler.
Perhaps Harry was feeling betrayed or misunderstood and wanted to express his strong emotions directly to Dumbledore through a howler. This could be a way to make his point and demand a response.
His mother is a likely sender. She could be worried about Remus and send a Howler to remind him to take his Wolfsbane Potion regularly or to be more cautious around others. Mothers are often protective, and in the wizarding world, a Howler is a rather forceful way to get your point across.
Maybe it happened because he made a big mistake in a magical experiment or broke a strict school rule. That might have triggered a howler being sent to him. The possibilities are endless in fanfiction!
His father, Harry Potter, might also send a Howler. Harry knows the importance of discipline and responsibility, and if James was shirking his duties or not following the rules at Hogwarts, Harry would not hesitate to use a Howler to communicate his disappointment and expectations.
Snape could also be a possibility. If Harry did something that Snape considered a serious offense in Potions class, like using an ingredient in the wrong way that could have caused an explosion, Snape might send a howler to scold him. However, it would probably also be filled with his usual sarcasm and dislike for Harry.