One common theme is the struggle for power. Since Tom Riddle is known for his pursuit of power in the original lore, in fanfictions about his abuse, it often becomes a way for him to either seek revenge or prove himself. Another theme is isolation. The abuse he endures can make him feel alone, and this is often explored in the stories.
One 'abused Tom Riddle fanfiction' that is quite popular is 'The Darkened Path'. It delves deep into Tom Riddle's psyche as he endures abuse and how it shapes his later actions. Another could be 'A Shattered Soul' which shows his struggle against the abuse in a very emotional way. There are also some on platforms like FanFiction.net, but you might need to search using relevant tags.
You could also create a fanfiction where a new character, an orphan just like Tom, arrives at the orphanage. This new character could either be a positive influence on Tom, trying to show him kindness and friendship, or they could be in competition with him for the limited resources or attention in the orphanage. This would add a new dynamic to the story of Tom Riddle in the orphanage.
Maybe it's a group of future Ministry of Magic officials who have become corrupted by power. They view Tom Riddle as an anomaly from the past and fear that his knowledge of old magic could disrupt their control over the wizarding world, so they become the main antagonists in his journey.
Tom's character could become more vengeful. Meeting his father, who may have abandoned him, could make him more determined to prove his worth and power. He might see his father as a symbol of all those who have wronged him, and this could lead to a more rapid descent into darkness.
The 'lemon' in a Tom Riddle and Hermione fanfiction could be a metaphor for the unexpected. For instance, Hermione might find a lemon - like a magical object - that has some connection to Tom Riddle's past. This object could hold secrets that bring them closer in an unforeseen way. It could start as a simple mystery but turn into a more complex relationship as they explore the significance of this lemon - related item.
There could be a fanfiction where Tom Riddle, after being resurrected in a different form, meets Hermione. The 'lemon' could refer to a passionate argument or a situation where their strong personalities clash in a way that has a certain 'spicy' quality. For example, they might be forced to work together on a magical mystery, and their exchanges are filled with tension and a touch of the unknown, much like the tangy flavor of a lemon. And this could lead to a deeper understanding or a change in their relationship.
A lot of Hermione Granger and Tom Riddle fanfictions play with the idea of what - if scenarios. For example, what if Hermione was sorted into Slytherin instead of Gryffindor and had more interactions with Tom Riddle - like - minded in terms of ambition? It could change the whole dynamic of the story. Also, the fanfictions might explore how Hermione's magic, which is often based on study and hard work, would interact with Tom Riddle's more innate and dark magic. It's these kinds of unique ideas that make this type of fanfiction so appealing to many readers.
The Dark Lady can be a catalyst for Tom Riddle's actions. She might introduce him to new ideas or opportunities in the dark arts. For example, she could lead him to a hidden library of dark magic texts.
The characterization of Tom Riddle is crucial. A great fanfiction will show his complex personality, his ambition, and his gradual descent into darkness. For example, it could show how his interactions with other characters influenced his path. Also, the writing style matters. A vivid and descriptive style can bring the story to life and make the reader feel like they are in the wizarding world.