One reason could be that they see Harry as a powerful ally. They know his skills and abilities, and they want to be on his side.
In the fanfiction, the Slytherins could be protective of Harry because they understand that he represents a new kind of leadership in the wizarding world. They might be tired of the old ways and see in Harry the potential for a more inclusive and fair future. They could also be motivated by a sense of redemption. Maybe they feel that by protecting Harry, they can change the negative perception of Slytherin house in general. It could be a way for them to show that they are not all about dark magic and self - serving motives, but can be heroic and selfless as well.
There are quite a few. Some fanfics focus on individual Slytherin students who form an unlikely bond with Harry. They might protect him from the dark forces that are after him, seeing him as more than just the 'Chosen One' but as a friend in need. These fanfics often explore the idea that not all Slytherins are bad and can be quite heroic when it comes to protecting someone they believe in.
The themes often involve loyalty. Slytherins in these fanfics show loyalty to Harry in a way that goes against the stereotype of their house. Some fanfics also have the theme of family. Maybe a Slytherin character sees Harry as a surrogate family member and will do anything to protect him. There are also themes related to justice, where Slytherins protect Harry because they know he's the key to a just future for the wizarding world.
One reason could be that they see her intelligence as an asset. Hermione is known for her brilliant mind, and Slytherins, who value cunning and resourcefulness, might respect that. They could also recognize her strength in the face of adversity and be drawn to protect her as a way to show their own growth beyond the typical Slytherin - Gryffindor rivalry. In some fanfictions, a Slytherin might have a personal connection or debt to Hermione, which leads to their protective nature towards her.
In abuse - related fanfics, Slytherins being protective of Harry can be a way to explore different character dynamics. It breaks the mold of the typical Hogwarts houses' relationships. Slytherins might be written as having a hidden soft side that emerges when they see Harry being abused. It could also be that the author wants to create a more inclusive and diverse story where traditional enemies can become allies.
Well, in some fanfics, Slytherins might be protective of Harry in an abuse scenario because they see the injustice. They could be written as having a sense of fairness that overrides the typical house rivalries. Maybe they've come to understand Harry's situation better than others and feel compelled to protect him.
Well, it completely flips the stereotype. Usually, Slytherins are seen as sly and self - centered. But in this fanfiction, being protective of Harry shows that they have a sense of loyalty and care that goes against the common perception.
One way their protectiveness shows is in the social aspect. Slytherins are known for their loyalty to their own. They would include Draco in all their activities and not let him feel left out. If there were rumors going around about Draco, they would quickly squash them. In dueling situations, they might form a protective circle around him, using their skills to keep any opponents at bay. And when it comes to academic competitions, they would support Draco wholeheartedly, even helping him study in secret if needed.
Friendship. Harry is their friend, and they care about him. Just like any good friends would, they want to keep him safe from harm.
One reason could be that they recognize her intelligence and see it as an asset. They might want to form an alliance with her, and comforting her is the first step. For example, in a war - torn Hogwarts, they know Hermione's strategic mind could be useful, so they reach out to comfort her to gain her trust.
There's also 'The Slytherin Guard for Hermione'. This fanfic shows how some Slytherins, who have grown tired of the house's bad reputation, choose Hermione as the symbol of their change. They protect her from dark wizards who target her for her Muggle - born status. It's an interesting take on how Slytherins can be allies.