You could write about her being in a dangerous magical situation where she has to use her wits to escape rather than being tortured. Maybe she's trapped in a cursed place and has to figure out the magical puzzles to get out. Or you could explore her relationship with other characters during a time of great conflict, like a war, where there are tensions and betrayals but not physical torture. This would still allow for a darker, more complex story.
One alternative could be exploring her dealing with difficult moral dilemmas. For example, she might have to make a choice between saving a friend or following a strict rule. This would add depth to her character without involving torture. Another option is to have her face her fears in a more psychological way, like dealing with the fear of failure or not being good enough. It can create tension and a darker mood without being overly cruel.
I think it depends on how it's done. If it's written in a way that is more about exploring the psychological impact and the resilience of the character, and not just for shock value, it could be considered a valid form of fan - created content. But if it's gratuitous torture with no real purpose other than to be cruel, then it's not ethical. We should respect the integrity of the character and the feelings of the fans who care about her.
A frequent theme is the exploration of Hermione's emotional state during and after the torture. It might also involve themes of revenge, where she or her friends seek retribution against those who tortured her. Additionally, some fanfics might focus on the magical and physical consequences of the torture on her body and mind.
There are many great alternatives. For example, fanfiction about Hermione's academic achievements at Hogwarts. She could be solving complex magical puzzles, or collaborating with other characters on important research. Another alternative could be stories focused on her friendships, like her adventures with Harry and Ron outside of the main plotline of the books.
One common theme is Hermione's inner strength. Despite the torture, she often shows great resilience in fanfictions. For example, she might use her intelligence to try and outwit Voldemort even in those dire situations. Another theme could be the impact on her relationships. Her friends, like Harry and Ron, may be driven to extreme actions to save her, which further explores the depth of their friendship. Also, some fanfictions might focus on Hermione's magical abilities evolving under such extreme pressure, as she tries to find a way to break free from Voldemort's clutches.
One common theme is resistance. Hermione is often portrayed as resisting Umbridge's unjust rules and cruel treatment. Another is friendship, as her friends come to her aid during these tough times.
Hermione herself could be more vigilant. If she noticed any signs of danger or people acting strangely around her, she could take precautions. She could use her own intelligence and magic to create defenses. For instance, she could set up a spell that alerts her when someone with malicious intent is near, and then she could either escape or fight back.
One great theme is Hermione's role in the fight against the dark forces. She's very intelligent and could be depicted in fanfiction as coming up with brilliant strategies to combat Voldemort and his followers.
I'm not a big fan of such dark fanfictions, but you could try looking on fanfiction.net. They have a large collection of Harry Potter fanfictions, and you might be able to find one with that plot there.
Another alternative is fanfiction that delves into Hermione's post - Hogwarts career. It could be about her working in the Ministry of Magic, making important changes and fighting for the rights of magical creatures. These types of stories highlight her strong - willed and justice - seeking nature.
Some alternatives include fanfic that concentrates on Hermione's family background and how it shapes her character. Additionally, there could be fanfic that imagines her post - Hogwarts life in a non - sexualized way, perhaps her career as a magical researcher or her contributions to the wizarding community.