It could also be due to a shared goal. In some fanfiction scenarios, they might be the only two who understand a particular threat to the wizarding world. Hermione, being the rational one, would put aside her initial dislike and trust Snape because she realizes his knowledge and skills are crucial for solving the problem. For example, if there's a new dark magic emerging, Snape's expertise in the Dark Arts could be vital, and Hermione would trust him to use that knowledge for the right purpose.
In some fanfiction, Hermione might trust Snape because of a time - travel or alternate - reality plot. She could be sent back in time and see Snape in a different light, like seeing his difficult childhood and how it shaped him. This new understanding could lead her to trust him, as she realizes he is more complex than the one - dimensional 'bad guy' she thought he was in the original story.
One reason could be that in fanfiction, authors often like to explore alternative character relationships. Hermione is highly intelligent and perceptive. She might come to trust Snape if she discovers his true motives behind his often - cold exterior. Maybe she stumbles upon his memories or some hidden evidence that shows he was acting in the greater good all along, like his role in protecting Harry from Voldemort.
A great plot twist could be that younger Snape actually has some knowledge of Hermione's time - traveling. Maybe he's been having strange dreams about the future and when he meets Hermione, he realizes she's part of it. This would completely change the power dynamic between them.
In many such fanfictions, they are forced to work together on a task or to solve a mystery. This shared goal makes them interact more frequently. As they spend time together, Hermione begins to see Snape's intelligence and his complex personality. She realizes that there is more to him than the cold exterior he shows. Snape, on the other hand, starts to respect Hermione's intellect and determination. This mutual respect and understanding gradually build their relationship into one of trust.
There could also be a plotline where Hermione discovers some of Snape's past traumas and in trying to help him, they form a bond. Snape, out of gratitude and a newfound respect for her, starts to take care of her like a mentor. He shields her from the harsh judgments of other Hogwarts professors and students alike, and together they work towards a better future for the wizarding world.
Maybe in a time - travel fanfiction. Hermione travels back in time and ends up in Snape's student days. She tries to change some events for the better, and in the process, she gets to know a younger Snape. Their interactions are initially rocky but gradually turn into something more, leading to a kiss. This would be a very different take on their relationship, as it involves a different time period and different versions of themselves.
One example could be 'The Unlikely Bond'. In this fanfiction, Hermione discovers Snape's hidden motives during the war and gradually comes to trust him. It shows how Hermione, with her inquisitive nature, digs deeper into Snape's actions and realizes he was not as bad as she initially thought. Another good one is 'Hermione's New Perspective'. Here, after a series of magical mishaps, Hermione and Snape are forced to work together. Through their interactions, Hermione begins to see Snape in a new light and trust is slowly built between them.
For Hermione, a great character development arc could be her learning to see beyond the surface of Severus Snape. Initially, she might be skeptical and even a bit judgmental, but as she gets to know more about his past and his sacrifices, she could grow to be more empathetic. This would change her view not only of Snape but also of the concept of redemption.
In this fanfiction, perhaps Hermione dumps Ron after realizing that he doesn't support her academic pursuits as much as she thought. Snape, on the other hand, might recognize Hermione's potential and offer her unique opportunities to study advanced magic. This makes Hermione see Snape in a new light. As for Ron, he may initially be angry and confused but later come to understand that Hermione and he were not as compatible as he believed.
The idea of Hermione and Snape as soulmates in fanfiction has great potential. Hermione would bring her Gryffindor courage and loyalty to the relationship. Snape, on the other hand, his Slytherin cunning and knowledge. Their interactions could be filled with tension at first. Snape might be dismissive of Hermione's ideas, seeing her as just another student. But as the story progresses, he realizes her unique perspective. For example, Hermione could help Snape come to terms with his past actions and find redemption. Their relationship could be a source of strength for both, with Hermione helping Snape open up and Snape teaching Hermione the darker arts in a more ethical way.
Perhaps Snape is under a spell that makes him act this way towards Hermione. He starts to give her special attention in class, praising her more than usual and even asking her to stay after class for 'private tutoring'. Hermione, on the other hand, tries to figure out if this is really Snape or if there is some dark magic at play. She may start to investigate, which could lead to an adventure of sorts as she tries to break the spell if there is one.
One idea could be a time - travel plot where Hermione goes back in time and has to work with a younger Severus Snape. They could team up to prevent a dark wizard from rising earlier than in the original timeline. This would put them in a situation where they have to trust each other despite their differences in age and temperament.