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.
Another possibility is a scenario where Hermione is on a mission to study the early life of Voldemort for some academic or magical research. While at the orphanage, she discovers some hidden secrets about Tom Riddle's family that were previously unknown. This could lead to a series of events where she has to protect this knowledge from falling into the wrong hands, all while interacting with a young and curious Tom Riddle.
Tom could manipulate Hermione. He is a very intelligent and cunning boy. He might see Hermione as a means to an end. Maybe he could use her knowledge of magic to further his own studies in the dark arts. He could pretend to befriend her while secretly plotting to use her magic for his own evil purposes. However, Hermione is also smart and would likely catch on eventually.
The setting of the orphanage is crucial. Describe the dilapidated building, the small and crowded rooms, and the meager food. This helps to set the mood and also shows why Tom might have felt so trapped and resentful. Also, include the other orphans. They could be a source of conflict or support for Tom. Some might be afraid of him, while others might try to befriend him out of pity or genuine kindness.
One possible title could be 'Tom Riddle and the Reader: An Unlikely Bond'. This title gives a sense of mystery and the unexpected nature of their relationship. It doesn't give away too much but still intrigues readers to find out more about how these two characters interact.
One idea could be that in the orphanage, Tom discovers a hidden magical ability within Hermione that she was unaware of. Maybe they team up to face a mysterious threat that is targeting the orphans. This could lead to them exploring the secrets of the orphanage together.
One idea could be that Fem Harry Potter, with her unique perspective from another time, tries to raise Tom Riddle with a sense of love and family that he lacked in his original upbringing. Maybe she uses her knowledge of the future to guide him away from the dark path. For example, she could introduce him to different magical cultures early on to broaden his view.
One possible scenario in this fanfiction could be Hermione traveling back in time and ending up at Tom Riddle's orphanage. She might try to prevent him from turning into Voldemort. For example, she could use her knowledge of magic to show him a different path, perhaps by introducing him to the concept of love and friendship in a more positive way than he ever experienced in his original life.
One plot idea could be that Fem Harry, with her unique perspective as a female in a male - dominated wizarding world, catches Tom Riddle's attention in Hogwarts. He's intrigued by her different way of approaching magic. Maybe she's more empathetic and uses magic in a way that he's never seen before, leading to a complex relationship where he both admires and is jealous of her power.
A fanfiction could be centered around Tom Riddle's experiments on magical creatures as a young wizard at Hogwarts. He might be trying to find a way to transfer the abilities of certain creatures to himself. Harry Potter later discovers the records of these experiments and has to deal with the consequences. For instance, some of the creatures Riddle experimented on might have escaped and are now causing chaos in the wizarding world.
One idea could be a time - travel fanfic where Harry goes back in time and tries to prevent Tom Riddle from becoming Voldemort. He could try to befriend the young Tom and show him a different path. Another could be a fanfic where Harry and Tom are somehow trapped in an alternate dimension together and have to work together to escape, all while Harry tries to understand what made Tom turn so evil. A third idea is a fanfic where Tom Riddle actually has a change of heart early on due to some magical accident that makes him experience a different kind of love and kindness, and Harry has to deal with this new Tom in Hogwarts.