Often, the older man is portrayed as very sophisticated. He might be highly educated, perhaps a well - respected wizard in the magical community. For example, he could be a renowned scholar or a powerful figure in the Ministry of Magic. This makes him an attractive alternative to Ron in the eyes of some fanfiction writers who want to show Hermione being drawn to a more worldly and accomplished partner.
Yes, it can be a somewhat common plot twist in fanfiction. Fanfiction often explores alternative storylines and relationships. Some writers might use this plot to add drama or explore different character dynamics. They could be interested in seeing how Hermione's character would develop in a relationship with an older man, perhaps to give her a more mature or different kind of connection compared to what she had with Ron.
At the beginning, Ron would likely be in shock. He had always thought he and Hermione had a special bond. After the shock, he might become a bit bitter. However, his friends, like Harry, would probably try to cheer him up and help him see that there are other things in life. Eventually, Ron might find a new purpose in his life, whether it's in his magical studies or in exploring new parts of the wizarding world, and try to move on from Hermione.
Perhaps an older wizard from the Ministry of Magic who has noticed Hermione's great potential and talent. He could be someone who has seen many young witches and wizards struggle and wants to make sure Hermione doesn't get lost in her own doubts. He would use his experience in the wizarding world to comfort and guide her.
Well, it could be that she and Ron had some irreconcilable differences. And the older wizard showed up at the right time, being more charming and understanding towards Hermione. He might have shared some unique views on magic or life that Ron couldn't offer. So Hermione, in this fanfiction scenario, decided to leave Ron for the older wizard.
In some fanfictions, Hermione might look older due to the passage of time in an alternate storyline. Maybe she has been through a lot of magical research or battles that have aged her prematurely in appearance. For example, if she has been delving deep into dangerous dark magic studies to find a cure for a deadly curse, the stress and exposure to such magic could have physical effects on her, making her look older.
One popular 'Hermione needs an older man' fanfiction is 'The Time Turner's Influence'. In this fic, an older wizard from a different era becomes Hermione's mentor and more. It delves into how their age difference creates a unique dynamic. Another is 'Older Eyes on Hermione' which focuses on an older Order of the Phoenix member taking an interest in her growth, both magically and personally.
In literature, they can be portrayed as liberating. For example, in some novels, the relationship allows the older woman to break free from the constraints of an aging - centered society. The younger man, on the other hand, is often shown as attracted to her sophistication.
Often, it starts with a chance encounter. Maybe the older man helps Hermione out of a difficult situation, like saving her from a dangerous spell or helping her with a complex magical research problem. This initial interaction sparks her interest in him.
You could try searching on Tumblr. There are often fanfiction recs (recommendations) on Tumblr blogs dedicated to the Harry Potter fandom. Some users might post links to fanfics where Hermione is paired with an older man. Also, Reddit has some Harry Potter fanfiction subreddits where you can ask for specific fanfics like this. Just be sure to follow the subreddit rules when posting.
Fanfiction.net could also be a place to look. It's one of the largest fanfiction platforms. However, the tagging system might not be as precise as AO3. But still, by using relevant keywords like 'Hermione' and 'older man' in the search, you might come across some interesting stories.