One possibility could be that they meet in a muggle setting, like a local park. Maybe Hermione is reading a book on a bench and Harry, who is always curious, approaches her to ask what she's reading. Another could be that they both end up at the same orphanage for a short time and form a bond over their shared sense of being different from the other kids.
Well, perhaps in this fanfiction they meet during a shopping trip in London. Hermione is with her parents buying school supplies for her muggle school and Harry is just wandering around, trying to avoid his aunt and uncle. They strike up a conversation about their love for learning, not knowing yet about their magical destinies. It could also be that they meet at a library where they both go often to escape their not - so - great home lives.
In some fanfictions, they might meet through some sort of pre - Hogwarts magical event. For example, there could be a small magical gathering in a hidden corner of a small town. Harry might be drawn to it by some instinct, and Hermione could be there because of her parents' work that has some tangential connection to the magical world. They could start sharing stories about strange things that have happened to them, unknowingly hinting at their magical abilities.
One possibility could be that they work together in the Ministry of Magic. Ron might be in the Auror department, using his skills from the war. Hermione, with her brilliant mind, could be in a high - ranking position in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, reforming old laws. They would also be raising their family, teaching their kids all about Hogwarts and the wizarding world.
Perhaps in a situation where a magical artifact is about to explode and destroy everything around it. Harry, being closer to it, decides to contain the blast instead of letting Hermione get hurt. His selfless act of heroism in this 'harry died for hermione fanfiction' is a way to show his deep bond with her, even if it means sacrificing his own life.
In such a fanfiction, Harry could die from an accident. For example, if he discovers magic early and while experimenting without proper guidance, something goes horribly wrong. Maybe he stumbles upon a dangerous magical artifact near his home that has a curse and it kills him before he ever gets to Hogwarts. It would be a very different story from the original, as his death would change the whole dynamic of the wizarding world that we know from the books.
Well, perhaps in the fanfiction Harry finds out that Umbridge has been secretly working for Voldemort all along. He gathers evidence and presents it to Dumbledore and the other teachers. They are shocked and immediately decide that Umbridge can no longer stay at Hogwarts. Harry takes the lead in escorting her out of the school. Or maybe Harry uses his connection with the Order of the Phoenix to get support in getting rid of Umbridge. The Order members come to Hogwarts and together with Harry, they force Umbridge to leave because of her unjust and cruel treatment of the students.
Maybe Hermione has been too pushy with her academic knowledge in the fanfiction. Harry, who might be feeling stressed or frustrated, tells her off for not considering the emotional and practical aspects of a situation. He could say she's being too much of a know - it - all and not listening to others' ideas.
Well, in this fanfiction, perhaps Harry and Hermione become really strict prefects. They could be known for always following the rules to the letter. This might make them a bit unpopular among some students at first. But as time goes on, they show that they are fair and only enforce the rules to keep everyone safe. Also, they might use their influence as prefects to get more resources for their studies and share them with their friends. Maybe they convince the teachers to open the library for longer hours or something like that.
One possible scenario could be that Hermione is forced to betray Harry under the Imperius Curse. Maybe a powerful dark wizard manages to cast it on her without anyone realizing. Another could be that she betrays him out of a misinterpreted prophecy that she believes will save the wizarding world in the long run. For example, if she thinks handing Harry over to a certain group will prevent an even greater evil from emerging.
In some fanfictions, they could have a dance. Harry would be a bit clumsy at first, but Hermione would guide him. They'd laugh and twirl around the room. After that, they might sit on the balcony, looking at the moon and talking about their hopes for the future, like having a family one day or making the wizarding world an even better place.
One possible scenario could be that it's a moment of extreme stress and they find comfort in each other. Maybe they've just survived a close encounter with death eaters and the emotions are running high.
In the fanfiction, perhaps Hermione first makes a list of all the characters in the Harry Potter universe who she thinks would be a good match for Harry. She then starts to subtly nudge them towards Harry. For example, she might invite Ginny, Luna, and Cho to a study group with Harry, and gradually, feelings start to develop among them. She could also be the one to smooth out any misunderstandings or rivalries that might occur between the girls vying for Harry's attention.