One possible reason could be a misunderstanding. Maybe Hermione thought Snape was involved in some dark plot against her friends. In the wizarding world, there are often secrets and deceptions, and if she got some false information, it could lead her to take such drastic action.
Perhaps there was some sort of mind - control involved. A dark wizard could have cast a spell on Hermione to make her attack Snape. This would add an interesting twist to the fanfiction, as it would then be a matter of finding out who was behind the mind - control and how to reverse it.
One possible reason could be that Snape sees Hermione's value as a brilliant student. He might recognize her potential and not want it to be wasted just because of her dad's actions or situation. Maybe he has a sense of justice deep down, despite his often cold exterior.
One possible reason could be that Snape has shown unexpected kindness to Hermione in the fanfiction. Maybe he has protected her from some danger secretly, which makes her feel she can rely on him and thus feel safe.
One reason could be Snape's knowledge. Hermione, being a knowledge - seeker herself, might feel safe knowing that Snape has a vast understanding of magic, especially the darker aspects. So, she believes he can keep her safe from any threats related to that knowledge.
One possible reason could be the stress from her studies. Hermione is always under a great deal of pressure to excel academically. Maybe she reached a breaking point due to the overwhelming workload. Another reason might be some kind of conflict with her friends. For example, if she had a big fight with Harry or Ron over something serious, it could leave her feeling broken.
One possible reason could be a powerful spell gone wrong. Maybe she was caught in the crossfire of a dark magic spell that Snape was either trying to counter or was involved in accidentally. Another reason might be extreme emotional shock. For instance, if she discovered some dark secret about Snape that was so overwhelming it sent her into a catatonic state.
Hermione is also very confident in her knowledge. Snape is an expert in Potions, but Hermione is no slouch either. So, when Snape tries to undermine her in Potions class, she might respond with sarcasm. For example, if Snape corrects her in a way that she thinks is wrong, she could say 'Of course, Professor, your infinite wisdom must be right' in a sarcastic tone.
In fanfiction, sometimes authors like to break boundaries and explore 'what - if' scenarios. For the 'Snape cheats on Hermione' idea, it could be a way to create drama and conflict. They might be interested in exploring the emotional turmoil it would cause for Hermione, or how it could change the relationships within the wizarding world they've created in their story. It could also be a way to subvert the typical hero - heroine relationships we see in the original series.
One possible reason could be related to a difficult potion she's trying to brew. Snape is a potions master, and Hermione might be facing an ingredient or a process that she can't figure out on her own. For example, a rare potion that requires precise handling of dangerous ingredients.
Maybe Snape is involved in some sort of mystery or danger within Hogwarts that has to do with magic spells. Hermione, with her vast knowledge of spells and her in - depth study of the Hogwarts library, could be a great help to him in deciphering old spells or magical texts related to the situation.
One reason could be Snape's sense of duty. As a teacher at Hogwarts, he has a responsibility to look after the students, even if they attack him. So, he would put aside his personal feelings and help Hermione.