Summary

• The world of Harry Potter fanfiction is rich and diverse, expanding on beloved characters and exploring new paths.
• Talented authors bring depth and quality to fanfic, creating enjoyable high-quality reads with imaginative twists.
• Fan favorite characters like Draco, Hermione, and Harry are often reimagined, giving fans new perspectives to explore.

The best Harry Potter fanfiction is among some of the most prevalent on the internet, as the devoted followers of the world of Hogwarts have built on the Wizarding World lore in their own unique ways. The constant expansion of the Harry Potter universe — whether via new films like Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, games like Hogwarts Legacy, or the upcoming Max series — proves that audiences are far from done with the franchise. However, another way fans have self-managed to stay connected with the beloved Wizarding World has been through Harry Potter fanfiction.

From furthering canon storylines to imagining a future to re-writing favorite non-canonical ships, the best Harry Potter fanfiction further enriches the Wizarding World. Despite the reputation fanfiction can sometimes have, the world of Harry Potter has also attracted some incredibly capable authors, meaning the best Harry Potter fanfiction is an enjoyable high-quality read. Harry Potter fanfic has even amassed followers of its own, with Redditors sharing their choices for the best stories in the genre which showcase the kind of imaginative, exciting, and surprising directions fans have taken to examine the Harry Potter universe in their own way.

Where To Watch The Harry Potter Movies

10 Heal Thyself By astolat

A Story Of Redemption For Draco Malfoy

Although originally established as an arrogant, condescending, and dark rival, Draco Malfoy evolved to become one of the series' most beloved characters. He could be very easy to hate at times, but there was also a sense of feeling sorry for him which inspired a following of fans who wanted to see him go down a better path. Draco is regularly the star of Harry Potter fanfiction too, with many stories focusing on redeeming his character and giving him a happier ending, such as Heal Thyself by astolat. Redditor Darkest_Phoenix07 shared its highlights:

"I like the development on Draco's career and his character. He goes from being bitter and self-pitying to getting his life on track. I like the take on healing magic. It really expands moderately on dark magic effects ... very good world-building skills."

The story also focuses on a relationship between Draco and Harry which, despite them constantly being at odds in the books and movies, is a popular relationship in many corners of the Harry Potter fan community. Villain redemption stories are always interesting and this fanfic gives Draco more of a turn around than the movies and books did.

9 Fate Is A Four-Letter Word By Philo

A Look At Harry Potter's Life After The Official Story

While some Harry Potter fanfiction re-write current canon, others expand Rowling's original plot by taking place in the future, as in Fate Is A Four Letter Word. The story chronicles a grown Harry's failed attempt to live a normal life and the new adventures that await when danger returns. After seeing Harry's victory at the end of the story, it is interesting to see that his life after defeating Voldemort was not perfect.

The ending of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 teased the adult lives of these beloved characters as they watched their children begin at Hogwarts. Imagining what else the future has in store for Harry is fun while also holding onto a hope that the story can continue in the official canon eventually. In the meantime, this offers a compelling idea of what that future could look like. Redditor maryfamilyresearch shared:

"absolutely love this story because it has a very dense plot and manages to keep you on the edge of your seat for its whole 525k words. There is angst, yet lots of funny moments as well... Despite all the mystery and the intrigue, the story also manages to explore what it means to be a parent and fall in love... especially when people object to your choice of partner... So relatable in so many ways."

8 Blindness By AngelaStarCat

A Reimagining Of Harry As "The Boy Who Lived"

One of Harry's best qualities was his willingness to persevere, despite whatever pain and loss he was going through. He constantly keeps trying against all odds, and that determination is built upon further in Blindness, which changes the outcomes of Voldemort's attack on baby Harry. The outcome leaves Harry as a much more vulnerable hero than the ones fans know, but his heroic spirit remains.

AngelaStarCat's tale is among the best Harry Potter fanfiction because it gets at the center of Harry as a hero and how, regardless of his powers, he has the heart and bravery to fight for what is right. While Harry could be frustrating at times in the canon stories, this is a reminder of why fans cheer for him and why he remains so beloved. Interestingly, the story was inspired by the author's own experiences. Redditor Reichbane enjoyed the story's change in power dynamics, adding:

"[The story] focuses on the exploration of magic and science in a unique and fun way without Harry lording his power over people and monologuing about how cool and smart and strong he is."

7 Seventh Horcrux By Emerald Ashes

A Comedic Look At Harry And Voldemort's First Meeting

The best Harry Potter fanfictions are those that can be visited again and again. Seventh Horcrux, by Emerald Ashes, is one such piece of fanfic. The story takes a look at the first encounter between Voldemort and Harry which goes in an unexpected new direction. That first moment between Harry and Voldemort is a pivotal one for both of these characters, so it is not surprising that so many fans are interested in revisiting the moment and adding their own spin on it.

Although it's given a seemingly darker premise, the fic is known to be a comedic and bewildering one. Harry and Voldemort are one of the most iconic hero and villain duos in pop culture history so it is a lot of fun playing with the idea of their relationship. Reddit user Electrical_Ad_8352 explained:

"Seventh Horcrux is a story about Voldemort possessing Harry as a baby and is genuinely one of the funniest pieces of fiction I've ever read. Harrymort is such a bizarre but compelling character and his warped worldview makes the most innocuous situations entertaining."

6 A Marauder's Plan By CatsAreCool

A Sirius Black Solo Adventure

The Marauders inspired Harry Potter fanfic of their own despite being an aspect of the story that has ended long before Harry's journey begins. Sirius is undeniably one of the most beloved Marauders, and his character arc has been re-written by many Harry Potter fanfiction authors who preferred to see Harry's guardian, which didn't have to end with his early death.

He is one of the many supporting characters who would benefit from stepping into a more central role in his own story. A Marauder's Plan by CatsAreCool depicts Sirius doing his best to give Harry a better, more loving home after the events of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. He was always seen as the only real family that Harry knew in the story and it is touching to see them get more time together. Redditor urlias describes:

"great story about Sirus not leaving England after being rescued from the tower. He puts on his Marauder's hat and figures out a way to make sure Harry is safe, even if it means taking over Magical Britain. A great story everyone should read,"

5 Lady of the Lake by Colubrina

A Romance Between Hermione And Draco

While Draco and Harry are one of the most popular couplings in Harry Potter fanfiction, many also like to imagine the possible relationship between Draco and Hermione. Their similar personalities and opposing views, along with Draco's learned hatred for Hermione, give the two the perfect dynamic for an enemies-to-lovers trope, which fanfictions like Lady of the Lake by Colubrina optimizes.

It is another story that takes place after the events of the books and movies, showing what life is like for these two. While Draco is somewhat directionless, he finds purpose and love in following Hermione on her own mission. The story has a bit of a thriller element, but the main draw is this love story that blossoms, showing the ways in which these two seemingly incompatible people found each other. Redditor yeetbeanie described the story in high praise:

"[A] go-to comfort read. Hermione decides to take over the government and in a much more sane and manipulative manner than Voldemort. Draco helps her with her plot, and they eventually get married... the balance of the fic is amazing... the narrative is incredibly satisfying."

4 The Serpentine Subterfuge by murkybluematter

An Alternate Reality Of The World Of Hogwarts

One of the best things about Harry Potter fanfiction is the many ways it breaks through the canon and creates entirely new universes with loved characters, taking the details fans know and using them to create exciting new realities from which new stories can rise. The Serpentine Subterfuge, by murkybluematter, does precisely that. The sequel to fanfiction The Pureblood Pretense focuses on an alternate version of the Wizarding World with a female character as its lead in the form of Harriet Potter.

The story follows her tribulations as she continues to pose as a pureblood boy. While it might sound like a gimmicky premise to reimagine the main character, Harriet Potter becomes her own full-fledged character with a story, purpose, and passions that are all her own. Reddit user UsernamesAreRuthless states they were at first

"...I couldn't pull myself away. The lies that slowly grow more elaborate, Riddle as a blackmailing politician, Snape as a Potions Master who takes Harry under his wing... James, Lily, and Sirius are alive, and just like I imagined them. Immersing myself in the world of Potions has never been more wonderful."

3 The Last Enemy: The Howling Nights By CH_Darling

A Marauders Adventure With Some Beloved Characters

The Marauders are a popular topic for Harry Potter fiction, with many writers and it is not hard to see why. It is an exciting history of some of the universe's key characters that is only teased in the books and movies. Many Harry Potter fan stories take to expanding on their teenage adventures and developing their most popular ships, like Remus and Lupin.

The Last Enemy: The Howling Nights by CH_Darling depicts the Marauders, along with Lily and Snape, navigating through their lives amidst the brewing war. Seeing the character dynamics between the young versions of these characters play out is a lot of fun, giving insight into their future selves or expanding the characters fans barely got to know. It is another sign that the Harry Potter franchise demands a Marauders prequel at some point. Redditor TinyButMighty2 gave it a rave review:

"Best fanfic I’ve ever read. I won’t stop promoting it lol. It’s a Marauders era story, which there’s plenty of already, but this one is fantastically written, fills in lots of gaps in very good ways, is from multiple POVs (Snape, Lily, Sirius, Regulus, etc.), is incredibly close to canon, and adds so much more to the idea of blood politics."

2 The Disappearances of Draco Malfoy By speechwriter

A Different Path For Draco Malfoy

While it is fascinating to see how fans create stories within areas of the Harry Potter timeline that were not seen in the books or movies, some of the best Harry Potter fanfic comes from a pivotal moment in the canon story being changed in a crucial way. Draco Malfoy was one of several Harry Potter characters that deserved a redemption arc, and The Disappearances of Draco Malfoy by speechwriter fulfills that by altering the canon events of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The story paints a world where Draco lowers his wand and joins Dumbledore and Harry's side, rather than staying with the Death Eaters and doing the Dark Lord's bidding. It is a triumphant moment for the character that is hard not to cheer for. It also features a prominent Hermione and Draco romance. Reddit user itsasixthing had this to say about it:

"I’m not normally a fan of Draco/Hermione, but I really enjoyed this fic. I thought Draco’s redemption arc was well done, and Ron’s side-plot made me so happy and had one of the best Ron’s I’ve seen in fanfic." This one is a must-read for Dramione and Ron fans alike.

1 The Augurey By La-Matrona

A Fulfillment Of The Popular Harry-Hermione Ship

The Harry and Hermione ship, fondly referred to as Harmony, is another regular coupling in Harry Potter fanfiction for those who want to see their non-canon romance played out. Though Hermione and Ron were the ultimate endgame in the canon story and a couple that many fans love, there is still a significant portion of the fandom who would have preferred Harry and Hermione take on the friends-to-lovers arc.

The Augurey grants fans that slow-burn build-up between the two following Hermione and Ron ending their relationship, whilst also incorporating elements from Cursed Child in an exciting new way. However, the story is not just about giving into the fan demand for a Harry and Hermione romance, but rather it uses that hook to explore these characters and also give great moments to other characters in the Harry Potter universe. Reddit user TheOriginalDv praised the story:

"...a Harmony story where the trio finds out about Delphini when they're at Grimmauld place during the hunt... the prologue is still one of my favorites ever... Also, it's got one of the best renditions of Molly Weasley I've read in fanfiction, her talk with Hermione after her break-up with Ron is still amazing, and burned into my mind forever."

• 

  Harry Potter

  Created by:

  J.K. Rowling

  First Film:

  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

  First TV Show:

  Harry Potter

  Cast:

  Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Richard Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alfred Enoch, Harry Melling, Gary Oldman, Robert Pattinson, Warwick Davis, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, David Bradley, David Thewlis, Katie Leung, Jason Isaacs, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant, Jamie Campbell Bower, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Johnny Depp, Mads Mikkelsen

  TV Show(s):

  Harry Potter

  Movie(s):

  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

  Character(s):

  Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Dobby the House Elf, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Ginny Weasley, Voldemort