Proof that the remaining 10% are worth being thrown off the Astronomy Tower for here.
These are recommendations made by Tropers for Harry Potter general fanfic, all of which have to be signed to stay on the page. Feel free to add a fanfic of your own to the list, but remember to use the template found here.
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Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that doesn't fit into one of the other folders.
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Completed fics
The author considers it finished. Completed Fics
After the End
by Zsenya and Arabella
- Recommended by cardboardtubeknight and findthefourth
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A post-Hogwarts alternate universe story about the problems posed for the Golden Trio and friends in the aftermath of the war.
- Pairing(s): Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione, Bill/Fleur
- Comments: I'm new to this fandom but from the way people talk about it, this was the end all tell all of Empathic!Ginny stories during the long summer. The most impressive thing is how this story expands on the canon from when it was written and comes up with plausible events to fit with what's already happened. Once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down. Another impressive thing about this is the development of the relationships: this isn't really a fluff and quick payoff story, they make the characters work for it.
- findthefourth: Seconded. Considering when it was written, the character development fits surprisingly well with the later books. Every character has
Canon Sue moments, but it's well-written.
- findthefourth: Seconded. Considering when it was written, the character development fits surprisingly well with the later books. Every character has
Add ReviewAmethyst by Geoffaree
- Recommended by Eyikl
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An eight year old Harry Potter figures out he can talk to snakes. He and his snake friend learn about the wizarding world from a wizard who lives near Privet Drive.
- Comments: This is the start of a series with a Slytherin Harry who gets adopted by Snape.
Ananke by Eunike
- Recommended by FatRat, Tender Lumpling, Fenro
- Status: Complete
- Pairing(s): Severus Snape/Lily Evans
- Synopsis: An accident sends the nineteen-year-old Lily Evans eighteen years into the future, and a coincidence leads her to her former best friend, Severus Snape. Lost in a terrible world she no longer recognizes, Lily is torn between doing what she is supposed to do, and doing what she thinks is right. Can Lily change her fate, or must she succumb to what was meant to be? Meanwhile, Severus can't believe his own luck when he realizes that he's given another chance to save Lily, and to finally tell her how he really feels -– but is he brave enough to take that chance?
Angels With Filthy Souls by xox-hattii-xox
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Bellatrix Black was a young girl when she first met Tom Marvolo Riddle...
The Child of Azkaban by LonelyHarvest (link here)
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Being in the middle of a dangerous war meant having to plan ahead for the worst case scenario, as both James and Lily Potter very well knew. And as such, they placed powerful safeguards to ensure their son Harry would grow up with proper guardians should anything happen to them. ...In their defense, neither of them would have ever expected what would happen to one Sirius Black after their deaths.
- Comments: There's a sequel, The Boy in the Book, which unfortunately is dead.
As Long As You Know That, Potter by owlsaway
- Recommended by dezba, Mazz, Marlee Cross, Fenro, LongLiveHumour, BaronPraxis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A different take on Harry's first Occlumency lesson with Snape.
- Tags: Drama
- Comments: A very short, one-page fanfic that is nevertheless powerful, building up to a surprise ending.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Ashes by killing_rose
- Recommended by Those Dancing Days, Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A rose by any other name... perhaps, by any other name, it would smell less like prison. Less like death. Rose is your surrender. You will not, cannot, be a Muggle now. You are not going to get another chance to escape.
- Pairings: Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Harry Potter/Ginny Weasley
- Tags: Canon Compliant
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Aunt Marge's Even Bigger Mistake by FloreatCastellum
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Ginny persuades Harry to attend Dudley's wedding. Unfortunately, both of them forgot that Aunt Marge would also be attending.
- Tags: Humor, Family, Oneshot
- Comments: Winner of Mugglenet's Quicksilver Quill Awards 2016, Best General (Oneshot).
A Bad Week At The Wizengamot by DisobedienceWriter
- Recommended by Looney Toons, Comartemis, Ms. Byrd, lanky, Chuckg, Dor, Seraviel, timeywimey, T7F, The Otaku Ninja, DragonRidingSorceress, Komodo Classic, Robinton, Dame-Amaryllis, Chrispang, Corndogman, Baron Praxis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After Harry Potter is convicted by the Wizengamot for defending himself against the dementors the summer after his fourth year and goes wandless into exile, Cornelius Fudge is certain all is now well with the world. At least until Harry's revenge begins...
- Tags: Humor, Parody, AU
Blood is Thicker Than Water by omidorichan
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Sirius's final fight and death scene from his own point of view.
Blue Christmas by SpoonyLupin
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After Arthur Weasley is attacked by the snake, he's placed in the same room as another bite victim—a werewolf who is having a hard time adjusting to the latest turn of events in his life. When Remus pays him a visit, can he say anything that will convince the angry young werewolf that his life isn't so bleak after all?
- Tags: Friendship, Hurt, Comfort
boy with a scar by dirgewithoutmusic
- Recommended by thebadplace
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A series of "what if" rewrites of Harry Potter, books 1-7.
- Tags: Alternate Universe, Canon Divergence, What-ifs
A Breath of Fresh Air by Ineffabilitea
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Arthur Weasley's first day at the Ministry.
- Tags: Oneshot
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Bungle in the Jungle and its sequel, Turn Me Loose by jbern
- Recommended by Dor, Looney Toons, Foo Fighter, Chuckg, lanky, oruma
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry Potter escapes one of Dumbledore's plans to manipulate him by following Bill Weasley on an expedition to South America, where they find far more than they bargained for.
- Tags: Adventure
Business by esama
- Recommended by Looney Toons, Unclouded TJ, The Forgotten One, feral, Robinton, Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: So the Dursleys have painted Harry as a freak and a criminal in the years before he gets his Hogwarts letter? Well, when Harry decides to find out what those words really mean, the well-intentioned intervention of a librarian results in Harry finding a role model—and the Wizarding World will never be the same. As the author puts it, the "mildest of fusions with Sherlock Holmes". And no, it's not Holmes who becomes Harry's inspiration.
- Tags: Alternate Universe, Canon Divergence, Crimes & Criminals, BAMF!Harry Potter, Dark!Harry Potter, Graphic Depictions Of Violence
- Comments: A complete short story. While it's a little hard to imagine an 11-year-old making some of the plans that Harry does here, it's still a gripping read, right to the end moments.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
By the Way by omidorichan
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Remus and Tonks have finally decided to tie the knot. But, what will her parents think? Don't worry, they'll love you! ...right?
A Christmas Gamble by Whitetail
- Recommended by Eyikl
- Status Complete
- Synopsis: In the Wizarding World, Father Christmas exists. Of course, not all witches and wizards know this, because only children who would not receive presents otherwise are given a present from the man himself. But when something unexpected comes up Christmas Eve, he’s in the market for two substitute Santas to tag-team his complicated route. Who better to ask than the boy whose name has been on his list almost ten years running, and the man who has forgotten what Christmas once meant for him? Either Father Christmas is crazy to put Harry Potter and Severus Snape on the same team, or he knows something they don’t. One way or another, it’s going to be one heck of a gamble if he wants all the gifts delivered on time. Entrant in 2013 Holiday Fic Fest.
Carnival Of Dark And Dangerous Creatures by DragonDi
- Recommended by Goodwrench and Jedi Vulcan
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Four years ago, Remus Lupin lost his friends to death and betrayal. Now he finds himself betrayed once more, and in a place where death may very well be preferred.
- Tags: Drama, Angst
- Comments: Great adventure story. Winner of the 2009 Hourglass Awards Admin's Choice Award for Drama at The Unknowable Room. The author has written several other fine works as well.
- Filled with great characterization, despicable villains and an unexpected (but completely believable and totally in character) almost father/son relationship between Mad-Eye Moody and Remus. A great read, and highly recommended.
Cauterize by Lady Altair
- Recommended by fireball900, Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "Of course it's missing something vital. That's the point." Dennis Creevey takes up his brother's camera after the war.
- Tags: Tearjerker
- Comments: An amazing, emotional oneshot that will bring tears to your eyes. It covers just what the cost of war is, and how much it takes away from those who are left behind. It is truly one of the best oneshots on fanfiction.net. That's an objective 'best' too—It's just over 1600 words, long, but has more than 1300 reviews, and over FIVE THOUSAND favorites. For reference, most good stories have a words-to-favorites ratio of 10:1.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
The Changeling by Annerb
- Recommended by marigold_lesley, Capretty, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Ginny is sorted into Slytherin. It takes her seven years to figure out why.
- Tags: Drama, Angst, AU
- Comments: Vastly expands JKR's universe by fleshing out the cast of Slytherins and answering the question of what it would be like to be a Slytherin girl while still staying true to the core of who Ginny Weasley is.
Childhood’s End by Vera Rozalsky
- Recommended by Kogut
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: On the eve of the Decommissioning of Malfoy Manor, Hermione remembers the end of her childhood.
- Tags: Oneshot
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
The Children by Samvimes
- Recommended by Kittenmommy
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After the war, we gather to remember. And none of us escape unscathed, least of all Draco Malfoy...
- Tags: Dark, Angst, and Drama
- Comments: A very dark and incredibly plausible little AU ficlet, featuring Draco (but sooo not in leather pants), Hermione, Ron, Ginny, et al. Voldemort was defeated, but at a terrible, terrible price.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
A Curse of Truth by butalearner
- Recommended by Willyolio, Kogut, Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A self-insert fic, where an avid fanfiction reader finds himself on Platform 9 3/4 at the beginning of Harry's 4th year, complete with Hogwarts letter and all.
- Tags: Drama, Humor, Romance, Adventure
- Comments: Yes, this is a self-insert fic, but quite honestly it's the best (i.e. only one I could tolerate past chapter 2, much less finish) that I've seen. The character does have some slight Sue-ish qualities, but mostly used in good humor. The only real superpowers come from his inherent knowledge of canon.
The Daring Win by Lomonaaeren
- Recommended by decoy73
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The year: 1987. The place: Muggle London. The situation: The Boy-Who-Lived is being treated horribly by his Muggle relatives. A young witch must take him in for the Ministry's good and his. The witch's name: Dolores Umbridge.
- Tags: Drama
- Comments: This story does the impossible: it makes Dolores Umbridge a protagonist. Not a Villain Protagonist, an actual (morally gray) protagonist that readers want to root for with redeeming qualities. Furthermore, with the exception of Albus Dumbledore, the other characters act relatively in line with their canon portrayals.
Denizen of the Deep: A Hogwarts Fairy-Tale by Hedda
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: What really happened to Dennis Creevey after he fell in the lake on the way to Hogwarts?
- Tags: Fantasy
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Dimension Hopping For Beginners by nonjon
- Recommended by Khym Chanur, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After defeating Voldemort, Harry travels to other universes and helps them with their Voldemort problems.
- Tags: Parody, Adventure, Contains bashing of Draco, Snape, and Harry/Draco.
- Comments: Several of the universes are serious, but most of them are comedic.
Don't Let Me Go by akmdreamer
- Recommended by Netherman14
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After his godfather's death, Harry withdraws, depressed and guilt-ridden. Can a visit from Ginny, Remus, and Tonks bring him to his senses?
- Tags: Oneshot, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Songfic, Sort of AU, it does follow book 5 & most of 6, but how Harry is brought from the Durselys is changed
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Eternal Return by Silver Pard
- Recommended by Looney Toons, chimeras, 0Wraith, Fenro, Red-Dead-Redeemer
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry finds himself reincarnated as a newborn Tom Marvolo Riddle, decades in the past. Can he do what he needs to in order to ensure that he is born and lives out the life he remembers? Can he bear the cost?
- Tags: Horror
- Comments: Dark, heartbreaking and ultimately creepy.
- Definitely seconded. Even if you saw it coming, the ending is still chilling.
- 0Wraith: This is one of the best Harry Potter oneshots I've ever read. Very dark, very devastating. Silver Pard writes brilliant Death Note fics too, if you're into that fandom.
Fair Trade by BajaB
- Recommended by Ithanyx, Unclouded TJ, boonerunner, Robinton, Baron Praxis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry confronts Voldemort after his sixth year at Hogwarts with an alternate reason for some of the Dark's Lord's failures, and offers to help him out, for a price.
- Comments: A fantastic retcon fic which shows an interesting idea of what "a power that Voldemort knows not" could be like.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Fantastic Elves and Where to Find Them by evansentranced
- Recommended by: Kogut, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After the Dursleys abandon six year old Harry in a park in Kent, Harry comes to the realization that he is an elf. Not a house elf, though. A forest elf. Never mind wizards vs muggles; Harry has his own thing going on.
- Tags: Character study, pre-Hogwarts, NOT a creature!fic, slightly cracky, and Adventure
- Comments: The story has a completed sequel, The Handbook of Elf Psychology, and a companion piece, Dobby the Almost No Longer Free Forest Elf.
To Fight The Coming Darkness by jbern
- Recommended: by lanky, Baron Praxis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Susan Bones was with Amelia Bones when Voldemort came to kill her. Unfortunately for him, Harry was there to stop him. Essentially, the story diverges rapidly after the events of the fifth book, with Harry managing to catch Voldemort off of his guard and injuring him. This enrages Harry's powerful foe into taking him completely seriously, causing reality to ensue.
- Tags: Adventure, Romance
- Comments: This story rapidly gets darker and darker as it progresses, with both Harry and Voldemort not pulling their punches. While jbern's work is always leaning towards cynicism on the sliding scale, this work takes Anyone Can Die to new levels and develops some characters into quite believable monsters. This is a world where Voldemort becomes very manipulative, forcing Harry to ditch being an All-Loving Hero in order to examine exactly how far he's willing to go to beat Voldemort and to discover the simple truth that Good Is Not Nice. Brilliantly written, as always, and it gets bonus points for lots and lots of Character Development, not all of which is good for the characters involved.
- Unseen Voice: Really good story with a believable real-world-approach to the Wizards War. There are no true heroes in this story, just survivors who are ready to do anything it takes to win, leading to an egregious amount of What the Hell, Hero? moments. I disliked the Bitter Sweet Ending with hints of a sequel, but that's just my preference of reading stories with a definite closure. A good read.
Fun and Games at Grimmauld Place by Gemini-Victoria
- Recommended by Adept
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Sirius is bored, so he ropes Tonks, Bill and Mundungus Fletcher into playing the Grimmauld Place Games without the rest of the Order knowing what they're actually up to. Hilarity Ensues.
- Pairings: Tonks/Lupin, although it's not the focus of the story.
- Comments: A hilarious and heartwarming story that manages to give much needed depths to the Order of the Phoenix members while four adults try to make fools out of each other by making them do increasingly ridiculous dares to win bragging rights and alcohol.
Firebird's Son by Darth Marrs (link here)
- Recommended by Unclouded TJ, Supernova92, KrspaceT
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Think you know what the magical world is like? You're wrong. A completely AU story of Harry Potter in a world that was born from an intellectual exercise to envision what type of modern, educated society would actually permit, or even encourage, polygamy. The answer? A society with four times more women than men. But will a world run by women, in which wizards are commodities to be controlled and threats to be contained, actually be better?
- Tags: AU, Drama, Fantasy
Fost and Lound by bikelock28
- Recommended by SubversionStation
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Missing moment from GoF Ch9. Fred, George and Ginny head into the woods at the Quidditch World Cup.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
The Founder's Pendants by Spiral Digger
- Recommended by Oracle Seven, Fenro, Powerupz 77
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The spirit of Salazar Slytherin has been released into an unwilling Snape and as the charismatic Founder takes charge of his body, Severus discovers the only way to regain control is through his own Slytherin cunning.
- Tags: Adventure, Mystery
- Comments: A definite AU that diverges rather forcefully from the main plot of the books in the first chapter. Salazar comes across as a Magnificent Bastard right from the beginning, and it only gets better as the story continues.
- There are so few well-written Founder Fics out there. It is good to see one that is enjoyable.
Future Imperfect by Lady Azar de Tameran
- Recommended by Mazz, Fenro, Ayacyana
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A world in which Voldemort wins. And honestly wishes he hadn't.
- Tags: Drama, Adventure, One-Shot, AU, Time travel, and Potential future slash
- Comments: Ignores Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows but incorporates some of their elements.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Gemini by Lady Charity
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Sirius had always pictured reuniting with James when his time came, always pictured taking his best friend's hand and embracing him until there was no more reason to cry. Never did he expect his brother. Never did he want it to be his brother.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
- Recommended by Seanette
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Hermione and Snape find themselves in a "Groundhog Day" Loop, which would be bad enough considering that the loop is occurring on the day Hermione dies in a nasty accident. As they're dealing with the mental strain of the loops, they discover that there are even bigger problems developing.
- Comments: There are two endings posted, one outright horror, the other not as much less grim as the author seems to think.
The Ghost of Her by xox-hattii-xox
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: His life is filled with silence. Ever since he lost her. His moments, once full of noise, echo in his ears. Now that she's gone. Severus reflects.
Ginny Weasley and the Waking Nightmare by breather89
- Recommended by SpellFoul
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After encountering Tom Riddle in her first year, Ginny wants a quiet holiday. Unfortunately, she is abducted by a Muggle serial murderer.
- Comments: The story is much better than it sounds, with an insight into human evil and the inside of Ginny's mind after Book Two.
The Golden Lamb by Starlit Skyline
- Recommended by Gamma Cavy
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A former pupil thinks about Headmaster Dumbledore, and wonders..."Tell me headmaster, have you ever picked favorites?"
- Tags: Oneshot
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Dark Lord by After the Rain
- Recommended by Valjean, Shadow AI, Mazz, bhadratheboss, JET73L, Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Lord Voldemort announces that he's going to celebrate his birthday with Sugar Quills, Pin-the-Beak-on-the-Hippogriff, and Death Eaters in hula skirts. Has he finally lost his mind, or is somebody crazy like a fox?
- Tags: Written between Order of Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, Drama, Humor
- Comments: Achieves what all short pieces should strive for—packing a lot of meaning into a few paragraphs. Starts out sounding like a hilarious, highly random crackfic, twists into what seems to be a great light-hearted humor piece, and finally whiplashes at the end into one of the most horrifically bleak, dark, gut-wrenching, tragic slaps in the face this troper has ever read. The simple, two-word line "They won't." hurts like a punch in the stomach.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Harry Potter 24 by Xavras
- Recommended by Hackstory
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: October 1996. A 24 hour period in Harry Potter's life. Each chapter will represent 1 hour of real time. Summary details can be found inside the story. Tom Riddle is planning to end the war before it even begins. Dumbledore helps Harry and his friends do the same.
- Tags: AU, Drama, Adventure, Non Canon relationships, character deaths that are non canon, characters that may be OOC although there will be reasons made clear in the story for why they are acting OOC compared to canon, and changes in how the final battle comes about.
- Comments: Despite its at-times-poor grammar, the fic is overall very enjoyable and has moments of true brilliance. Watching the events of the story line up, and seeing the characters and their overlap in the ways that they do leads to some moments of that are truly amazing. Highly recommended to anyone who can get past the initial few chapters, which are admittedly not great.
Harry Potter and the Accidental Horcrux by the Imaginizer
- Recommended by KaguyaCat
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In which Harry Potter learns that friends can be made in the unlikeliest places...even in your own head. Alone and unwanted, eight-year-old Harry finds solace and purpose in a conscious piece of Tom Riddle's soul, unaware of the price he would pay for befriending the dark lord. But perhaps in the end it would all be worth it...because he'd never be alone again.
- Tags: Adventure, Drama
- Comments: Has a sequel, which has been discontinued.
The Power He Knows Not and sequel The Triumvirate of Resolve by Vicarious Leigh
- Recommended by throwaawy
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "During the summer between 5th and 6th year, what begins as an innocent flying lesson at the Burrow results in Harry's realization that something more is happening between he and Hermione. However, fast upon this realization is the mortifying thought that loving Hermione marks her as a tempting target in an unfinished battle with Voldemort."
- Pairings: Harry/Hermione
- Comments: Both stories were written before HBP came out, and cover Years 6 & 7 respectively.
- Tags: TPHKN is PG13, TOV is M for a scene late in the story.
- Note: Unfortunately, it seems that both links are dead.
How Potter Broke Black by We're All M-M-Mad Here
- Recommended by Komodo Classic
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "Sirius Black. He always was a brilliant actor. That's why no one ever really knew the real him. Well that was until Regulus finally discovers the secret he has been hiding. Sirius plans for no one else to find out, but when have plans ever worked out in the wizarding world?" No one knows the truth about Sirius' home life, not even James. When Sirius goes home for the summer, his mother gives him a terrible ultimatum that will break him down further than anyone should ever go. Sirius is the strongest person any of them know—but even he can't fight forever.
- Tags: Angst, Friendship
- Comments: This...is not a happy fic. Sirius is beaten down like crazy. It doesn't even feel like angst, because it's quite well-written. There are semi-frequent grammatical and spelling errors, but they don't detract from the story. And really? I just want to be Sirius' friend after reading this. Not. A happy. Fic.
Icarus by MarbleGlove
- Recommended by Sallera
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In her seventh year, Hermione needs a supervisor for a Transfiguration research project, but McGonagall and Dumbledore are too busy with the war. There's one more Master of Transfiguration in Britain, though...he's just on the other side. She decides to write a letter.
- Tags: Horror
- Comments: Surprisingly, not crack at all, and nearly a Tear Jerker.
- Seconded by Nictis. This is one of the best stories I've seen with a focus on letters between characters, and I loved the ending.
I'll Fight For you by Hazelmist
- Recommended by Drjafjaf, HirakuJoutei
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Set in the Marauder Era, this fanfic tells the story of Lily and James' 6th year from Lily's point of view.
- Pairings: Lily/James
- Tags: Romance, Suspense
- Comments: There are some elements of a typical Marauder Era fic, but this one by far surpasses all others. The writing is excellent and well thought out, the plot revolves around more than just belligerent sexual tension, and the characters are all done justice by the author. In particular, the last section epilogue of the story is one of the most powerful things I have even read, both in published work and fiction.
- I agree with just about everything said above. I do think that it falls prey to the tendency of fanfiction authors to leave Peter out of the story, but overall it really is fantastic.
He's Never Returning Here Again by Kaatiba
- Recommended by SubversionStation
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An alternate, angsty take on what could've happened when the Weasleys picked Harry up at the Dursleys' house in Book Four. OR: I just want characters to acknowledge the abuse Harry's suffered and do something to stop it.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
I'll Shoot the Shot, Bang by wandlorean
- Recommended by Str8Shoot, Powerupz 77
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry travels back in time to shape the future into a happier one, but will he listen to Hermione's warning?
- Tags: Oneshot, not slash, Time travel, Foul language, Major character "death", Angst, Tragedy
- Comments: A haunting, bleak, and original story with solid writing. It will leave you speechless and feeling like you've been punched in the gut. Really, there are no words. I highly recommend it.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
In Blood Only by E.M. Snape
- Recommended by Fenro, lanky
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Snape is Harry's father. No one is happy to hear it. R due to colorful language, dark themes, and nongraphic violence.
- Tags: Colorful language, dark themes, Drama, and nongraphic violence
- Comments: This is one of the best Severitus Challenge fics out there. This story is complete. See Severitus for challenge details.
- lanky adds: This is one of those stories that seems too silly to truly enjoy, and then it turns around and surprises you. Though the author pulls no punches and makes sure that we all know people suck, he adds in some truly poignant scenes which help to characterize the growing relationship between Harry and Snape. It's all topped by the fact that there's truly wonderful writing going on with this story, and again, the author pulls no punches: The duo hate one another even after the revelation, and it takes chapters and chapters before they even begin to stand one another, let alone begin to bond in any way.
In Her Hands She Held The Whole World by Sirenny
- Recommended by Thanatos13713, Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Three years after the defeat of Voldemort, Hermione Granger looks back on the events that destroyed her world.
- Comments: Dark, angsty, heartrending, beautifully written, and utterly chilling. A masterpiece.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Innocent byMarauderLover7
- Recommended by Magnetic Field
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Mr and Mrs Dursley of Number Four, Privet Drive, were happy to say they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. The same could not be said for their eight year old nephew, but his godfather wanted him anyway.
- Tags: Drama, Family
- Comments: Stays true to the characters and major plot-lines of the original HP books while forging a divergent story line where Sirius Black escapes Azkaban a few years early. Beautifully written and engaging, this fanfic develops side-characters, offers new perspectives on the Auror department, and (best of all) has four sequels equal in quality.
The Last Straw by AlbusPHolmes
- Recommended by Kogut
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A chance encounter leads Dumbledore to finally make the decision to confront his demons. Or more specifically the one demon who started it all—Gellert Grindelwald.
- Tags: No Slash, Adventure and Mystery
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Latet Anguis in Herba by Slide
- Recommended by omegaman
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Slytherin House is a hard place to be in the run-up to the Second War. Any student has to worry about classes, careers, juggling the wishes of teachers and parents; a Slytherin gets the rest of the school's judgement, the internal politics of prejudice and choosing sides. How do the decent but cunning, the moral but ambitious, walk the thin green line?
- Pairings: OC/OC
- Tags: Contains profanity, Mild violence, Scenes of a mild sexual nature, Substance abuse, Sensitive topic/issue/theme, Drama, and Romance.
Lessons by ItWritesStuff
- Recommended by The Wild West Pyro
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Cormac crosses a line with Hermione during Slughorn's Christmas party. Viktor thinks it's high time the boy is taught a lesson in honour and consent.
- Tags: Friendship, English
- Comments: Despite what the synopsis might imply, the line that McLaggen crosses is actually fairly mild and doesn't turn the story into a Dark Fic. Overall, it is a very sweet fic that not only shows Krum sticking up for both Harry and Hermione, but using the power of kindness to hammer home a very important message.
The Lies That Bind by Zephros
- Recommended by Willyolio
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In the midst of his sixth year, Harry rescues Daphne Greengrass from an unpleasant fate. While innocent affection grows, a shadow has been cast into the Chosen One's life that might herald him down a darker path. A path his own actions may yet create.
- Tags: Torture , dark, Takes place mid-HBP, Romance and Horror
- Comments: Quite a few twists for such a short fic, but it features a Dark!Harry and a good interpretation of the prophecy (particularly the bits about marked as an equal and power he knows not). Also has a satisfying ending that's not all rainbows and sunshine.
Little Differences by Theta Serpentis
- Recommended by Shebali, Powerupz 77
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. From a few hours before his birth, to the end of his eleventh birthday, this is the life Tom Marvolo Riddle.
- Tags: Warnings: Occasional violence and profanity, 1920s-40s attitudes on race, gender, religion, etc. shown in characters that are historically accurate but may offend modern readers, large numbers of OCs, Drama
- Comments: A most wonderful story which tells us of the origins of Voldemort, from his birth to . Can be rather dark at times, but that's to be expected, really. Incredible writing style, well-developed characters and all historical research you could wish for. It's complete, though the author acknowledges that the story is not as long as it was planned to be, ending Tom’s arc with his eleventh birthday. But please go ahead and take a look. And be sure to check LJ version for fact finders. They make the experience even better.
- Update: Story has been taken down. Word of God (found at the bottom of this post) is that it's going to be published as Ascended Fanfic instead. They asked that no one repost the fic.
- Update: Story has been taken down. Word of God (found at the bottom of this post
Looking Beyond by shini_amaryllis
- Recommended by kitty_demigoddess
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The first thing everyone noticed about Hope Potter was that she may have had her mother's face, but she had her father's penchant for causing trouble or somehow finding it. It only made sense that she would fall for a prankster, and it only made sense that danger was attracted to her very scent. Somehow, she was going to prove she was more than just the Girl-Who-Lived. FemHarry
- Pairings: Hope/George; Ron/Hermione; Angelina/Fred; Fleur/Bill; Seamus/Ginny; Arthur/Molly
- Tags: Female Protagonist; fem harry; Sassy and Sarcastic FemHarry; Looks like her Mum; grey characters; Dumbledore's Army lasts longer; Character Death; Snake in Lion's Fur; Slytherin Descendant; Blood Magic; really diverges in book six
- Comments: It's a very long, beautifully crafted story that takes the existing HP universe and takes it up to eleven. It's over 600,000 words, all the characters in HP are true to their characters, and the OCs are fantastic. I've actually had times where I've read the books and forgotten that this isn't canon and that Harry isn't actually a girl. Hope is an excellent incarnation of Harry, and she isn't painfully effeminate like fem!Harry has been in similar fics.
Love of Potions by alyssialui
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: There are few things Severus loves: his mother's apple pie, reading, Lily and Potions. Slight Snily.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Loyal and True by IamShadow21
- Recommended by: SubversionStation
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When Harry tells Cedric to get back to the Cup, Cedric listens. An AU of how differently Cedric might have been treated had he done so.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Magical Moments by Pittsburghmuggle
- Recommended by Anonymous
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Following some information given to him by his brothers, Ron Weasley takes Harry Potter to sneak into a store in Diagon Alley catering to adult wizard clientele. Hermione joins them at the last moment, and there is a thrilling escape involved when the owners arrive to open the store for the day.
- Tags: Humor, Sexual imagery and discussion, no actual sex by or between the characters, Erotic issues at the very least, though. Set between Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix, which is when it was written.
Make A Wish by Rorschach's Blot
- Recommended by Looney Toons, Chuckg, Elenor, UnseenVoice, lanky, The Mighty One, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After learning the prophecy, Harry comes to the conclusion there's no way he can win against Voldemort. And if that's the case, he decides he has to get in as much living as he can before he must return to the conflict. But in the process of the whirlwind round-the-world tour he takes under an assumed name as result of that decision, he inadvertently creates a mythic figure of such proportions that even Voldemort begins to fear him.
- Tags: Humor, Adventure
- Comments: An enjoyable, funny story despite the author's primitive grasp of the technical rudiments of writing and the somewhat anticlimactic ending. Watching how the Wizarding World creates the myth of "Mr. Black" by misunderstanding or selectively re-interpreting the information and stories left in Harry's wake is worth the occasional frustration with Blot's style, as is the scale to which the myth eventually grows—and how Harry reacts when he finally learns what his "last vacation before dying" has wrought. (Be warned, though, that Make A Wish starts slowly — although the lead-up has some good if low-key humor, the funniest stuff really doesn't start to kick in until the end of chapter 10.) Anyway, don't take this story seriously—just sit back and enjoy it. It has a sequel, The Hunt for Harry Potter, which isn't quite as good in my opinion, but is still fun to read.
- The writing is amateurish, but the plot is original and engaging, the OCs interesting, and the humor spot-on.
- lanky adds: The more the story goes on, the less entertaining it gets, I found. It's an interesting read, but Harry quickly becomes a boring Invincible Hero when he stops being mistaken for a huge, powerful badass and actually becomes one. Especially after the story abandons humor to take the serious route. Honestly, the story could have been a lot better had it just stuck to the premise. It's still worth a read, however.
- The Mighty One adds: I partially disagree with the other comments. The writing is not amateurish, it is spot on for this kind of a story, and contributes greatly to the story's humor, which is top-notch. Some chapters (for example, 14, 17, and beyond) are pure gold.
Man-eaters of Kumaon by ignipes
- Recommended by Goodwrench
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: April, 1982. Remus Lupin travels to India to track a creature that has been devouring villagers in the Himalayan foothills.
- Pairings: Sirius Black/Remus Lupin
- Comments: A Lost Years fic. The author does an amazing job of portraying the local color, and this is an excellent action/adventure story as well.
Miles to Go Before I Sleep by Rannaro
- Recommended by: sssrha
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In a world where Voldemort is more informed about the nature of wand ownership, Severus Snape survives the Battle of Hogwarts but his work is far from done. There are still far too many Death Eaters roaming free...
- Pairings: (Eventual) Severus Snape/Original Female Character
- Tags: Alternate Universe, Denouement
Mischief Managed by Crazy Mishka
- Recommended by Sophiebybophie
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Hermione made friends with two entirely different boys, and it makes for an entirely different school experience.
- Tags: Humor, Friendship, AU, Oneshot
- Comments: Really great story where Hermione makes friends with Fred and George instead. Not a romance.
The Most Grievous and Lamentable Tragedy of the Death of Lord Voldemort by rowen_r
- Recommended by Micah, AcrossTheStars, boonerunner, Fenro, HirakuJoutei
- Status: As of July 2013, “access denied” for the LiveJournal entry, and couldn’t find any mirrors.
- Synopsis: Harry Potter meets Jacobean revenge tragedy.
- Comments: Written pre-Half Blood Prince. Has stage directions like "[In a manner suggestive of profound, puppy-kicking evil]" and "[Makes frightening groaning noises just for the hell of it, the scamp]."
- It's probably twice as funny for anyone familiar with Renaissance literature, especially Shakespeare and Marlowe, so English majors, theater majors, and AP Lit students will probably laugh harder than anyone else.
- Thirded—or is it fourth-ed?—by Ms. Byrd. Note that above troper is spot-on, however.
Muggle-Born Registration Commission: Hogwarts Acceptance by MoonSilverSprite
- Recommended by Troper 9
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Some Muggle-born students had been due to start in Book 7, but as the Ministry had been taken over by Death Eaters and everyone had to prove their blood status, they end up going in different directions after being hurtled into a world that they don't understand.
- Comments: The Muggle-borns who should have started in Deathly Hallows are extremely overlooked in fanfiction covering the Second Wizarding War, but this author took over this topic anyway. The story is not too long, ending at about 15,000 words, but you feel every word of it. This fanfic shows us what confused eleven-year-olds would have felt during the war and while it does go into the evils of prejudice, it does not bash you over the head with it, allowing you to enjoy the story. On a side-note, it is also quite funny hearing McGonagall shouting, "Merlin's testicles!"
My Immortal Refined by Evilkritter
- Recommended by Mac Phisto
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A brave soul attempts to rewrite My Immortal... with all the grammatical mistakes corrected!!
- Comments: This is better than an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000! (Please be warned that this comic has adult imagery, so you can't read it without an account.)
My Nephew Harry by Lucillia
- Recommended by Marlee Cross, Robinton, BaronPraxis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: During the two months she had watched her eight year-old nephews, Marge Dursley discovered that Petunia was a pathological liar, Vernon had somehow been brainwashed by that no good b***h, Dudley was the spawn of Satan, and Harry was actually a good kid.
- Comments: It's obviously not a new concept by any stretch for Harry to be removed from the Dursley's custody in some way. However, the fact that Aunt Marge of all people is the one who instigates it, and quite believably I might add, is what makes this fic notable. The chapters may be short, but are still quite well written. Also of note is the very interesting Alternate Character Interpretation of certain characters, Vernon in particular.
Never Alone Never Again by Bored Beyond Belief
- Recommended by Zephyr7
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry's holiday reaches its lowest point. Will Harry finally be able to have the kind of love everyone else seems to take for granted?
- Tags: Drama, Angst
- Comments: This was a well-executed fic with strong characterization, amazing development, and compelling layers to the characters. Harry's suffering (combined from the Dursleys' abuse, the worsening nightmares and the emotional and physical pain that came with Voldemort's return) is just gut-wrenching for Harry's loved ones and for the readers to see. There are some parts in the story that can be quite dark and it seems like Harry won't be getting better. But there are some lighthearted moments, some Heartwarming Moments, and some Tearjerker moments to balance it out, leading up to a Bittersweet Ending.
- The oneshot sequel Make a Joyful Noise couldn't have ended the story any better.
- The oneshot sequel Make a Joyful Noise
Nightwind School of Magic by Lady Sabine of Macayhill
- Recommended by Joyce13
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Instead of attending Hogwarts, Lily, Severus, Remus, James, and Sirius attend a different school called Nightwind School, a very liberal school that takes those with great magical talent or potential from around the world. They become friends along with eleven others that form a group called the Phoenix Club and this changes their futures greatly.
- Tags: Friendship and Fantasy
- Comments: The author decided to start out with Marauders' generation attending an alternate school, since most fics with this premise focus on Harry doing so. She also took the flaws she found with Hogwarts and corrected them. The fic follows the protagonists up to their fourth year, and focuses on the Phoenix Club, a group of sixteen students consisting of Lily, Severus, Remus, James, Sirius, and their friends/roommates.
- Has a sequel, Nightwind School of Magic Two, which unfortunately is dead.
- Has a sequel, Nightwind School of Magic Two
The Phoenix Trilogy (Phoenix Song, Phoenix Tears, and Phoenix Fire by grangerous
- Recommended by Fenro, margauxwithanx
- Status: Complete
- Pairings: Severus Snape/Hermione Granger
- Synopsis: An AU where Hermione and Snape team up after the events of Half-Blood Prince. There's more to it, but honestly the plot goes so batshit insane that it's difficult to sum it up farther than that.
- Comments: The trilogy is comprised of three fics, all of which are complete.
A Place For Warriors by owlsaway
- Recommended by Sharysa, Fenro
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Dumbledore locks Harry and Snape in the Room of Requirement. Harry's magic works, and Snape's doesn't. Will they kill each other? No slash.
- Comments: A fifteen-chapter Bottle Episode begins as Dumbledore locks Harry and Snape in the Room of Requirement for a week, and as the focus on Snape and Harry's interaction is very tight even after they manage to get out, the cast is still less than ten people.
- The explosive mesh of "screwed-up-teenager" plus "screwed-up-adult" strikes a very weird but audible chord, and Dumbledore is presented as a flawed human rather than an emotionless chessmaster. The interactions between Snape and Harry are excruciatingly powerful once they realize their similarities, and this is twenty-five chapters of Talking Heads that you will not resist reading out loud. And that friend you rope into reading with you won't mind, either.
- ShayGuy: Excellent characterization indeed, but be warned that it falls into the common fanfic trap of overdoing the Dursleys' abuse. (I mean, really, Harry considering suicide at age seven?)
- Unfortunately this troper knows someone who considered the very same at age three. It's probably not that uncommon.
A Point in Crying by MoreThingsInHeavenAndEarth
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Tonks' grief after discovering Sirius' death. "It had taken her two days to wake up, and two minutes for her to realise she wished she were dead."
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Poison Pen by Genkai Fan
- Recommended by Mandrke, Unclouded TJ, Looney Toons
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry has had enough of seeing his reputation shredded in the Daily Prophet and decides to do something about it. Only he decides to embrace his Slytherin side to rectify matters.
- Tags: Drama, Humor
- Comments: It has its ups and downs, but the overall the story has enough twists and turns to keep you interested. The plot revolves around the wizarding world's reaction to the writings of one "Oliver Twist" during the summer between the 4th and 5th book and goes on from there. It brings up some good points about how stupid the wizarding world can be, especially during wartime. It's also a finished work with the author ruling out sequels or side stories, so what you see is all you'll get.
- Ruined by killing Voldemort in blatant deus ex machina event.
- Also suffers a bit from Ron the Death Eater. Ron is reduced to dumb muscle, and Hermione to a goody-two-shoes who believes anything she's told. Even Professor McGonagall and Molly Weasley are vilified. The ending is also quite abrupt.
The Potions Master's Nephew by SeverelySnaped1
- Recommended by Kittastrophe
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An accident occurs and Professor Snape finds himself trapped in his fifteen-year-old body. Enrolled into Harry Potter's fifth year, he is forced to hide his true identity. Girls, drama and teenage angst do not bode well with Severus.
- Tags: Drama, Humor
- Comments: Probably my favorite Fountain of Youth fic. The writing is beautifully done and the plot development is excellent. It eventually contains some Draco/Ginny (well-written, I might add). It looked like a deadfic for a while, but when the author eventually finished it, the edited version was put up all at once. Anyway, excellent characterization, and who doesn't want to read youthified!Snape? It's fun!
The Pureblood Pretense by murkybluematter (link here)
- Recommended by Kitzsah and Joyce13
- Status: Four books complete, book five is in-progress
- Synopsis: Harriett Potter dreams of going to Hogwarts, but in a universe where the school only accepts purebloods, the only way to reach her goal is to switch places with her pureblood cousin—the only problem? Her cousin is a boy.
- Tags: AU, Adventure, and Friendship
- Comments: As the author mentioned, this is a Song of the Lioness take on the Harry Potter series. The universe it takes place in is heavily AU. Tom Riddle never became Voldemort, instead becoming the leader of a political party. Due to his influence, Hogwarts now only accepts purebloods, with British half-bloods and muggleborns having to go to foreign schools such as the American Institute of Magic. Harriett Potter wants to study potions at Hogwarts, and her cousin, Arcturus (Archie) Black, son of Sirius Black, just so happens to want to go to AIM. Like in Song of the Lioness, she and Archie switch places, fulfilling both of their dreams. Now all she has to do to is to survive her next seven years in Hogwarts pretending to be a pureblood male heir in Slytherin. If only she could stop being a trouble magnet...
- This is the first of an ongoing series, with the sequels being The Serpentine Subterfuge, The Ambiguous Artifact, The Fultile Facade, and The Malignant Masquerade.
- This is the first of an ongoing series, with the sequels being The Serpentine Subterfuge
The Questions We Wonder by mikimouze16
- Recommended by Eyikl
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Severus Snape is confused to meet Harry Potter, the polite Ravenclaw, and teams up with Lupin to investigate Harry's past. The story involves the consequences of physical injuries, and manipulative Dumbledore.
Reach the Open Space by Tinn Tam
- Recommended by Magic Kirby, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After defeating Voldemort, Harry Potter was about to become the most adulated wizard in the History of Wizardkind. But he ruined it all. And he's damn proud of it.
- Tags: Mild violence, Oneshot
- Comments: A oneshot that I keep going back and reading. Takes a canon Harry and turns him into the person he was always meant to be.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Reclamation by copperbadge
- Recommended by Lavanya Six, boonerunner, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In an alternate universe, one man still struggles with a moral decision made many years before.
- Tags: Alternate Universe, Precognition, Discussions of Suicide, Homophobia, a relatively happy ending as unlikely as that sounds
- Comments: My favorite HP one-shot. It explores the life and mind of Tom Riddle in a world where, like a recovering alcoholic, he makes an conscious effort each day to not turn Dark.
- Seconded by Thanos6. Much like Dexter, this fic explores someone who is essentially a sociopath who is just barely clinging to morality by his fingernails.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page
Recnac Transfaerso by Celebony
- Recommended by Animaluver
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In a rash act of self-sacrifice, Harry saves a dying Muggle by magically transferring the man's cancer to himself. Now, going through his fifth year with a terrible secret, he begins to realize just what he's given up.
- Pairings: Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione
- Tags: Drama, Romance, And Abuse, angst
- Comments: Like the synopsis says, there is abuse, but this story is so heartrendingly sad, yet so inspirational, it's difficult to stop reading. The characters are well-written, keeping in canon even as they grow in their own way.
The Reign of Theodore Nott by Amadea
- Recommended by AwayLaughing
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Draco Malfoy never noticed Theodore Nott at all until sixth year when his task starts to weigh heavily on his mind along with death and all things surrounding it. Very much a character driven work.
- Pairings: Draco/Pansy is there, but that is very much not the point of this work.
- Tags: Oneshot, Drama, Mature Language
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Rememberall by Megaerakles
- Recommended by lalalei2001
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The truth can be cruel, and is sometimes best avoided altogether. While helping Neville move, the gang unearths his old Remembrall. When Hermione touches it, it turns red.... The trouble is, she can't remember what she's forgotten.
Renegade Cause by Silens Cursor
- Recommended by USA Bobcat, Vazeron1
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: At the start of Order of the Phoenix, the Ministry comes to take Harry into custody for using a Patronus charm in front of a Muggle. Harry, warned by Dumbledore to not let them destroy his wand, defends himself. Things change.
- Pairings: Harry/Tonks
- Tags: Tragedy, Crime
- Comments: An in-depth look at the darker arts of Magic, the darker forms of politics, and the darker morals in life. And not just Voldemort or Fudge, for once. Harry makes difficult decisions, Voldemort delves in Spell Creation, and it is very violent.
Reunion by movinggirl
- Recommended by Aromli, Mazz, Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: James and Lily Potter have had to learn everything about their son through people who have died and come Above. But after 100 long years on Earth, Harry's finally at the Gate. Now James and Lily will get to meet their son, for the very first time.
- Pairings: Lily/James
- Tags: Family, Angst
- Comments: Character death is a lot more Heartwarming Moments from the eternal side of the Gate. Also, it's fun to see James and Lily learn about Harry second-hand. As James says, "Coolest. Son. EVER."
Royal Ward by Catstaff
- Recommended by Meduini
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry, in the fic that this is a sequel to, is named as a Royal Ward by Queen Elizabeth II for protecting her grandsons, Princes William and Harry, from a school bully-namely Harry's cousin Dudley! This fic basically follows what happens to Harry next.
- Pairing(s): Past Prince Charles/Princes Diana, Princess Diana/Sirius Black
- Tags: Gen, AU-Canon divergence and Historical, Original and Historical characters
- Comments: Based off of and a sequel to Hatal Fart Attack by Corwalch, with permission, it's a fun multi-chapter fic that explores some of Harry's pre-Hogwarts years and even though it's got some Manipulative!Dumbledore, it also features decent!Snape, a helpful Lucius Malfoy, and an actually decent Draco Malfoy as well. The fic is also on AO3 (as is the previous story) for those who prefer that to fanfiction.net.
A Second Chance at Life by Miranda Flairgold
- Recommended by rheasilviadiroma
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When Voldemort’s assassins find him Harry flees seeking a place to prepare for the battle. Bloodmagic, wandlessmagic, necromancy, fae, a thunderbird, demons, vampires. Harry finds the strength & allies to win a war.
- Tags: Adventure
- Comments: A Second Chance at Life and its sequels, Changes in a Time of War and A Magical World, is a realistic take on the overdone "Harry gets into a new school" cliche. It's a complete AU of Deathly Hallows, and features a much more diverse magical world, new forms of magic (which are fully explained by the story instead of Applied Phlebotinum).
- Unfortunately, A Magical World hasn't been updated since 2009, and leaves a lot of plot points hanging.
The Serpent of Lord Voldemort by Angie Astravic
- Recommended by Leradny
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry can turn into a snake. This power saves him when Voldemort turns up at Privet Drive and blows up the (empty) Dursley's house—instead of killing Harry on sight, Voldemort just thinks he's a real snake who can recognize Harry Potter, and takes him prisoner.
- Tags: Mystery, Adventure
- Comments: Voldemort has some of the oddest yet most in-character Pet The Snake moments EVER.
- This fic is the fourth in a series of fics: An Unwelcome Visitor, Under the Rose Bush, and The Serpent.
- Aryllia: There are some vague part in the plots that the author cover by including a Q&A session in the end of each chapter. I can't say that I in any way see why the author couldn't just as well have enforced these part in-story, as well as why spoilers seem to be given out there.
- This fic is the fourth in a series of fics: An Unwelcome Visitor
Shadow Walks by lorien829
- Recommended by Kogut, Agogobell
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In the five years since the Final Battle, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley have struggled to cope with the mysterious disappearance and apparent death of Hermione Granger.
- Tags: Angst, Romance
- Comments: Rare example of using the "multiverse" theme in a proper way, beyond "I want an AU that technically is not an AU." Nice mixture of different styles (there is action, romance, a bit of fluff and angst).
Shapechangers and Espionage by Mc Junker
- Recommended by Mc Junker
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A story from the First Wizarding War. Infiltrators try to crack the headquarters of the order of the Phoenix, and it does not end well for anyone.
- Tags: Drama, Oneshot
- Comments: An exercise in world-building, plot, and characterization. Features two OCs vs. the Marauders
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Snape's Memories by paganaidd
- Recommended by Ninja Marshwiggle
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry is finding a healthy outlet for his "saving people thing" in the form of one damaged little boy. In doing so he finds himself thinking about his old teacher, quite a bit.
- Tags: Supernatural, Angst, Discussions of past child abuse, and Kidnapping
- Comments: Despite the characterization occasionally feeling a little off to me, these truly are two brilliant fics. The interactions are natural and fluid, and the abuse (experienced by both Harry and Tim) is portrayed consistently and synthetically as well as realistically. The spelling and grammar is excellent and the pace of the stories is really nice and easy to read.
- Has a prequel, Dudley's Memories.
- Has a prequel, Dudley's Memories
Sounds Like a Breakfast Cereal by Ara Kane
- Recommended by Mthe R
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In his fifth year, Harry finally gets to take a vacation. Join Hex Holmstrom as he dodges arrest from the Ministry, gets the girl, beats the bad guy, and turns Hufflepuff House upside down!
- Tags: Adventure, This story was written prior to the release of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."
- Comments: I like this one because it takes the badfic staple of "American witch/wizard comes to Hogwarts," and keeps the core idea (let's follow someone new and different and see all their wacky fun adventures!) but sorts the OC into Hufflepuff, a house which sorely needs some wacky fun adventures.
Stages of Hope by silverstorm
- Recommended by Kogut
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Professor Sirius Black, Head of Slytherin house, is confused. Who are these two strangers found at Hogwarts, and why does one of them claim to be the son of Lily Lupin and that git James Potter?
- Tags: Dimension travel AU, Dark humor, Adventure, and Drama
- Comments: Great characters, amazing dark humor, and a rare example of well done dimension travel.
The Strange Disappearance of SallyAnne Perks by Paimpont
- Recommended by Nalana, Kogut, Agogobell, Eyikl
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry recalls that a pale little girl called Sally-Anne was sorted into Hufflepuff during his first year, but no one else remembers her. Was there really a Sally-Anne? Harry and Hermione set out to solve the chilling mystery of the lost Hogwarts student.
- Tags: Mystery, and Suspense
- Comments: An extremely well crafted mystery set in Harry's third year. Extremely good characterization of a variety of characters, including but not limited to Snape, Dumbledore, and even the Fat Lady. Very good foreshadowing.
A Tale of Two Lonely Souls by Batmanfan12
- Recommended by NaruHinaFan
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: AU. The Weasleys didn't rescue Harry from the Dursleys in his second year—the Creevey boys did. Join them as they build friendships with the trio and join them on their adventures. Read as Harry gains his deepest desire: a family.
- Comments: Has a sequel called A Twist of Fate which is dormant.
Temporal Flux by kirikarin
- Recommended by technicolortardis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Jared Blake is the strange new American transfer student to Hogwarts, but there's something...off about him (and his American accent). He's familiar, and yet, nobody can really put a finger on why. With the wizarding war looming close, and with Voldemort now in the open, this only serves to make them highly suspicious of him. It doesn't help that he seems to have taken special interest in the Golden Trio, with Hermione in particular. He has come to Hogwarts with a mission in mind, but what that mission is, Jared isn't keen to say.
- Tags: Post-OotP, Romance, and Adventure
- Comments: A fun take on an old concept.
The Third Wizarding War: The Story of Miles Brand by McJunker
- Recommended by Mc Junker
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An ex-Auror, a Pureblood supremacist, and a Muggle-born criminal are on the run during the Dark Lord's second ascension. Expect a lot of violence and some swearing. At least one Moral Event Horizon per story arc.
- Tags: Darkfic, Lots of swearing and violence had by all, Drama, and Suspense
- Comments: Basically, what would happen if a trio of villains instead of heroes were on the run during Deathly Hallows?
Taking Control and Free Life by fake a smile
- Recommended by Chuckg, Unclouded TJ
- Status: Complete, Dead
- Synopsis: Sirius' ghost hangs around after OoTP to help Harry get over his death and train him, leading to a Harry who enters year 6 with an iron determination to grow up and take his fate in his own hands and fight the war against Voldemort on his own terms. Meanwhile, the "Golden Trio" splits apart when Harry won't let them in on his new plans, leaving Ginny (and later Remus) as his only confidants. Independent!Harry and Genuinely-Well-Meaning-But-Stiflingly-Manipulative!Dumbledore. Taking Control is complete; its sequel, Free Life, is unfortunately dead.
- Pairings: Harry/Ginny
- Tags: Adventure, Romance
- Comments: Although the main focus of the story is not the romance, this still has one of the best-developed Harry/Ginny romances ever. The pacing is delightfully appropriate, the author has a fine grasp of subtlety, and the plot is interesting and without obvious holes. Unlike most other Manipulative!Dumbledore fics, the Dumbledore in this one is neither using inappropriate methods or has evil intentions, he's just idealistically misguided. And while Harry's more kickarse than canon, this isn't remotely near a Super!Harry fic. Indeed, the only possible negative note is that Ron and Hermione do not come off well in this fic — its hardly Ron the Death Eater territory, but Ron gets to be the clueless git again, and Hermione has her bossy know-it-all tendencies taken to positively Flanderized levels. So, Ron and Hermione fans have been warned.
- Not so sure that it's not a Super!Harry fic, what with the dual animagus forms and the superfast learning cool stuff over the summer. The mandatory shopping splurge can't be avoided but it's a nice enough read apart from that.
THERMOS!, or, How a Muggle-Born Brought a New Age of Spell-Making to Hogwarts (Entirely by Accident) by susieboo
- Recommended by Adele Potter, Unclouded TJ, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Muggle-born witch Phoebe McDevitt just wanted her tea to stay warm during class. She didn't expect to accidentally start a spell-making craze among her classmates.
- Tags: Humor, One Shot, Muggleborn Pride, Muggleborn Culture, Humor, Harry Potter Next Generation, No Plot/Plotless, No Romance, Slytherin, Good Slytherins, Slytherin Original Character(s), Explicit Language, Muggle-born Original Character(s)
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots and Harry Potter Humor/Crack pages.
Thou Shalt Not Suffer by The Wizards Harry
- Recommended by Liquid-Molasses, mermaidgirl45, Baron Praxis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An emotionally realistic take on the idea of a fundamentalist Christian being invited to Hogwarts.
- Tags: Drama, Humor
- Comments: The story deals with the issue without being anti-religion or a proselytization tool, but instead using religion as another way to examine the series' major themes of hatred and prejudice.
- Seconded—a little cautiously—by Mthe R. The first couple chapters have a few persistent spelling errors and typos, but nothing distracting. The OC at the center of the story is flawed but likable, and the representation of Slytherin so far looks to be one of the most balanced and realistic I've seen in a fanfiction. Mostly I'm recommending because it's the first Harry Potter fanfiction in ages to hold my attention past the fifth chapter.
- For those of you who were put off by the "Christian!" thing, as I was, give this fic a chance. The main character is very likable and the whole thing is great fun. I was expecting a religious rant, but got one of my favorite OC fanfics. Also, calling Lockhart "Captain Vainglory" is Made of Win.
To Play the Devil by The Wayland Smith
- Recommended by Lysianda
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Immortality is not all it's cracked up to be. At least not when the only other immortal around is your worst enemy and the closest thing to a friend you have left. The war ended over a hundred years ago and Harry Potter and Tom Riddle have each been enjoying the quiet life, whilst politely ignoring each other. However, war is coming.
- Tags: AU, Fantasy, Adventure
- Comments: It's a fun romp of a story. Set around 150 years after the Second Wizarding War ended in a truce, Harry and Voldemort are placed in a position where they have to work together in an often amusing relationship. The story can be a bit slow, but it's engaging and the payoff is worth it. Occasionally there's a sense of narrative causality; however, it is normally forgivable.
Turning Point by TheGodMachine
- Recommended by Agogobell
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Who is James Potter anyway, when "he" is really Jasmine Potter, roommate of Lily Evans? Jasmine has always thought of herself as a boy inside, and when "she" becomes James, he is able to get the girl of his dreams, that red-haired beauty Evans. But when James presents himself to the Marauders, Sirius is unable to handle it.
- Pairings: Lily/James
- Tags: Transgender themes, Romance, Warning: Misgendering, Transphobia
- Comments: This is a wonderful piece of transgender fiction—no OOC moments, a brilliant plotline, and realistic handling of Transgender topics. Only there's magic involved. Highly recommended.
Wicked: a Harry Potter Musical by avalonchick5
- Recommended by Hackstory
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Dumbledore has made a terrible decision: to start up a Hogwarts drama program! When he decides to remake a well-known beloved Muggle musical, will those who hold it near and dear to their hearts be able to stop the disaster in production?
- Pairings: Harry/FemOC
- Tags: AU, Romance, and Drama
Winter's Debt by La Guera
- Recommended by Eoppen, Powerupz 77
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Draco Malfoy tells the story of the little sister he found he had, and why she had to be hidden from the world. Thorough oneshot that covers her first appearance all the way to the end of the war.
- Tags: Angst
- Comments: Warning: This one is serious Tear Jerker material. If you don't start crying at some point in the story, you have no soul. Beautifully evocative and powerful, the ending is well written and unexpected.
- Features extreme amounts of Ron the Death Eater and Character Derailment—Dobby is a spineless coward, Harry is a dark wizard(!), etc.
- Features extreme amounts of Ron the Death Eater and
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
The Witching Hour by Laiqualaurelote
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Midnight, and none of the Order sleeps...the house at Grimmauld Place has it all.
- Tags: Angst, humour, romance, Oneshot, arthouse attempt.
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
With Malice Aforethought and And Malice Towards None by SPSmith
- Recommended by Shinji117
- Status: Complete; Dead
- Synopsis: An alternate 6th year. Harry takes the death of Sirius rather badly, and decides to take things seriously (but realistically. No time-turner training, insta-god-mode from Founder inheritance etc) in 6th year.
- Pairings: Harry/Hermione, Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione, Ron/Luna
- Tags: Drama, Humor, Action/Adventure
- Comments: This is actually very good. Normally alternate year stories have Harry somehow gain power overnight (be it via time travel, inheritance or divine intervention). This story avoids that, and gives Harry a realistic power increase in proportion to the work he is putting in. This story has no moments that truly are canon-breaking (well, apart from Crabbe and Goyle being Leather Pantsified as unbelievable as that sounds). Voldermort is a tad passive at the start, but that does change later on. Even those who normally hate the Harry/Hermione ship probably won't mind as it comes off believably after all the main characters undergo quite a lot of well-written development. No one really acts out of character other than Crabbe, Goyle and Dawlish. Now if only the author would continue the sequel...
- Surprisingly believable. Avoids Ron, Albus or Ginny The Death Eaters. A very possible what-could-have-been.
A Wizard of Her Own by ChelleyBean
- Recommended by fruitstripegum, Baron Praxis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When Harry met Hedwig.
- Tags: Oneshot
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
An Unexpected Attraction by thegingerhairedlass
- Recommended by Nerdman3000
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Lily Evans in no way fancied James Potter, that was a fact. The pair becoming friends was shock enough but Lily having an actual crush on him? Hell would have to freeze over first...at least that's what she thought.
- Pairings: James Potter/Lily Evans, Sirius Black/Marlene McKinnon, Frank Longbottom/Alice Longbottom
- Tags: Romance, Humor, Tragedy, Drama
- Comments: In what is essentially rather a massive Harry Potter prequel, this fic basically retells the events from James and Lily falling in love at Hogwarts all the way to the October 31st night where they died and Harry become the Boy-Who-Lived, with all the tragedy, drama, and romance in between that comes with it. It mirrors the HP books in the way that it while it does start with teenage drama, over time the story gets darker and darker as James and Lily and their friends graduate from Hogwarts and join the first Order of the Phoenix. The author did a rather amazing job at making me fall in love with a lot of her versions of the characters, particularly her versions of James Potter, Lily Evans, Sirius Black, Marlene McKinnon, Remus Lupin, and Frank and Alice Longbottom, making many of their canon grim fates especially hard and something to dread.
- The author was actually even able to at various points make me feel legitimate pity for one of my most hated canon characters, Peter Pettigrew, while also doing a great job at really making me feel the proper weight and anger at Peter for his eventual betrayal, even as I at the same time am now able to understand why he went down that road.
The Wizarding Hours (with validation and hot chocolate) by AlyssiaInWonderland
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Harry has a nightmare, makes hot chocolate, and is validated by Draco Malfoy (of all people).
- Tags: Oneshot
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
And the Unethical Binding Contract by SimplyMe51
- Recommended by fruitstripegum
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: AU. What if the Triwizard Tournament took place in Harry's first year, not his fourth?
- Tags: Oneshot
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
- Now has a TV Trope page: And The Unethical Binding Contract
Yesterday's Orphan by PhantomTF
- Recommended by Puidwen
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Her granddaughter will never attend Hogwarts. Over her dead body.
- Tags: Mystery, Angst
- Also recommended on the Harry Potter Oneshots page.
Incorruptible: The Dementor's Stigma by The Matt Silver
- Recommended by NCommander
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A year has passed since the dead started returning to life. The fate of those hoping to survive and rebuild rests on the best and the worst of humanity, both wizards and Muggles, with their political ideologies and the ravenous undead in between, and it's up to Healer Harry Potter to save as many as he can in the crossfire. A Harry Potter Zombie Apocalypse Fanfiction.
- Comments: Set postwar, it specifically deals with the aftermath of Dementors breeding and taking over in a magical zombie apocalypse, with a struggle in the Wizengamont in which the Statue of Secrecy should be dismantled to help save the remaining muggle communities.
- Tags: Mystery/Suspense
Picnic Panic by LeQuin
- Recommended by NaruHinaFan
- Status: Complete
- Pairing: Harry/Hermione
- Synopsis: Hermione is home for an Easter barbecue that her parents are hosting. She's brought her boyfriend and is thoroughly regretting that decision. She calls a dear friend to help with the damage control.
- Comments: A nice story where Hermione asks Harry to come over because Ron did something stupid. Includes some adorable moments between Harry and an OC little girl that Harry rescued and she takes an immediate liking to him. It becomes Harry/Hermione but the romance is largely in the background until the epilogue.
- Tags: Family/Romance
The Ghost of Privet Drive by AndrewWolfe
- Recommended by eeveelutionlover2000, Robinton
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "Fix it" said the Fates. "Fix what? With what tools and skills?" I asked. Being dead was only the first of the obstacles. And then I found myself in an understairs cupboard listening to a little boy quietly sobbing. Oh. Fix THAT. In which a sarcastic old git is dropped into the awful childhood of Harry Potter.
The Unwinding Golden Thread by The Carnivorous Muffin
- Recommended by Lyra_Dhani
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In his fifth year Tom Riddle discovers his destiny and meets the cold, alarming, and bizarre transfer student Harry Evans. But sometimes things unravel in ways we do not expect. Time Travel.
- Tags: AU, Time Travel
A Dramatic Reading by White Squirrel
- Recommended by NaruHinaFan
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Umbridge finds seven books about Harry Potter from another dimension in the Room of Requirement and decides to read them aloud to the school in an ill-advised attempt to discredit Dumbledore. Hilarity ensues. Features an actual plot, realistic reactions, decent pacing, *and minimal quotations*.
- Comments: Has a sequel fic, A Sensational Story, which is written by a different author but is no less entertaining. Unfortunately, it appears to be dead.
The Bigger Picture by cloud9stories
- Recommended by: eeveelutionlover2000
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: POV from a OC-SI one year older than the twins, AU from triwizard onward, even if Harry Potter will be canonish. Detailed explanation of magic, animagus, alchemy, rituals, Worldwide scenarios.
Local Preteens Entrap Murderous Wraith (You Won’t Believe What Happens Next) by asterismal
- Recommended by: Lyra_Dhani
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: “It was you, wasn’t it? The snake…” “And that pathetic wretch of a man who visited you at your family’s home.” He forces Harry to turn his head, to meet his gleeful gaze. “And the shadow out of the corner of your eye when you thought yourself alone. Yes, Harry, I was there.” “How?” he demands, bravado not quite masking fear. And Voldemort laughs again, an edge of madness to the sound. “Oh, you lucky little idiot. You have no idea what you’ve done.”
Ongoing fics
Updated regularly or semi-regularly. Ongoing fics
How to Succeed in Dark Wizardry (Without Really Trying) by technically direct
- Recommended by: Eyikl
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Based on his mother's advice and a book from Neville, Ron starts to practice dark magic. It's told entirely from Ron's POV, so the Weasleys get a lot of page-time.
Meddling Giant by cloud9stories
- Recommended by: eeveelutionlover2000
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: SI-fic. The MC awakens in the body of one Rubeus Hagrid after a freak accident at Ollivander's. As the MC figures out that he might as well give his all to this occasion, telling fuck you to both history and his foreknowledge, a familiar wand of holly and phoenix feather chooses him. How will the world react to a meddling half-giant born a century before his time? Worldwide AU.
The Odds Were Never In My Favour by Antony444 (link here)
- Recommended by BlackVictorCachat, Robinton
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Ten years of life at the Dursleys have healed Alexandra Potter of any good feelings she might have towards her aunt, uncle and cousin, leaving her friendless and sarcastic about life. On her eleventh birthday, a letter sent by a school of magic may give her a providential escape. Except, of course, things may not be that simple for a girl fan of the Lord of the Rings...
- Comments: A surprisingly good fic that defies expectations, filled with brilliantly original ideas you wish were in canon as characters are used to their fullest, with excellent depth and development.
The Shifting Lines series by Dovahtobi (link here)
- Recommended by dolphinleo
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Remus' life at Hogwarts and beyond.
- Paring(s): Remus Lupin/Sirius Black, James Potter/Lily Evins
- Comments: It's got tons of rep. There's a trans girl who's going to be introduced in book 3 (but features heavily in one of the spinoff fics), Indian James Potter, Gay Remus Lupin and Bi Sirius Black. None of the queer characters are out and the Wizarding World in this fic is about as horrible for queer people as the muggle one was at the time. Also, there's a lot of anti-werewolf stuf—Remus could be killed if the Ministry of Magic finds out he's a werewolf going to school. James and Sirius aren't jerks! They have moments of being quite mean, but their general characterization is one of a good friend. Snape is a Jerkass, he isn't a very sympathetic character and is quite mean to Remus.
Soft Magic Sucks by Desert Chocolate
- Alternative source: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14169358/1/Soft-Magic-Sucks
- Recommended by: Mikeal 52
- Status: Ongoing; last updated December 2022
- Synopsis: A man from our world is reborn in England with his adult memories. He spends every moment from birth working to make a better life than his last one, thinking he was simply sent back in time, only to end up befriending Harry two years before canon. From there, he begins preparing to help his friend prepare for the magical world.
- ”Comments:” Thus far, things haven't gone too far, but Gar and Harry are well on their way to acting like shonen heroes in the magical world, right down to training in how to fight.
Dormant or Dead fics
At least a year without an update, or killed by the author, at least two years without an update, or Author Existence Failure. Dormant or Dead
Against the Moon by Stoplight Delight
- Recommended by Mismoree, Ayacyana, Eternally_Green
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: The odds were stacked against him: a child from a blended home with no friends, no social skills to speak of, and a terrible secret. Yet slowly Remus Lupin began to realize there was a place for him in the world, if he could find the courage to claim it.
The Alexandra Quick series by Inverarity (first book here)
- Recommended by FrankRonaldOrion, Unclouded TJ, Chaosjunction, Agogobell
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: This story has next to nothing to do with the characters in the Harry Potter series; it has everything to do with the Harry Potter world. Set in the United States, where the Confederation, a government in political turmoil, has problems with revolutionaries and warring cultures. It focuses on Alexandra Quick, a Muggle-born (or not) girl who goes to Charmbridge Academy and discovers a lot about not only magic and the wizarding world, but about herself as well.
- Tags: Fantasy, Adventure, AU
- Comments: Holy shit. Five novel-length fics focusing on the HP Wizarding World with a likable OC protagonist and a crazy-good plot, with a sixth book on the way. While it's going to be a slog to get through this Doorstopper of a series, it is absolutely worth it.
Always by aterriblebeautyisborn
- Recommended by AngelBlack
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: After all this time? Always. The friendship of Severus Snape and Lily Evans. It explores the friendship and eventual fall from between Severus Snape and Lily Evans during their time at Hogwarts, it spans from the first time they meet and it will end with Lily's eventual death.
- Comments: It's a bit long and ends on a cliffhanger due to being dead, but it's one of the best fics I've ever read. The way it's written doesn't really feel like you are reading a fanfiction. Though it contains no real shipping, it teases at times. It maintains a neutral position on the characters and sticks to the canon established by JK.
W-Anon by Lumi-Tea
- Recommended by Ad Impestra
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: 26 years after the Second Wizarding War, messages begin appearing on the Muggle dark web from a mysterious user exposing the existence of the wizarding world- and a struggling American wizarding family finds themselves directly in the crossfire of this dangerous new conspiracy theory. Meanwhile, an elite team of wizards searches for the man behind the so-called "W-Anon" militia - knowing failure could end in war.
- Comments: Very little is known about this story so far- all we have for now is a series of cryptic post by the 6chan (like 4chan or 8chan) user "W" threatening to expose the wizarding world. But if this story fills up to its promise, it is going to be an absolutely terrifying political thriller that very accurately shows what the Trump era and 2020 would be like in the Harry Potter universe. Keep this one on your watchlist.
Apprentice Potter and its sequels, Journeyman Potter and Master Potter by Drao664
- Recommended by Looney Toons, Unclouded TJ
- Status: Complete, Complete, Dead
- Synopsis: An Alternate Universe that diverges shortly after the events of Order of the Phoenix. Instead of letting Harry return to Hogwarts for his sixth year, Mad-Eye Moody arranges an apprenticeship for him, with a mysterious and infuriating new master.
- Tags: Action, adventure, AU
- Comments: Includes Fem!Blaise, Angry!Angry!Really Angry!Harry, and poly shipping.
The Awakening of a Magus by the-dreamer4
- Recommended by Omeganian
- Status: Dead, a rewrite promised.
- Synopsis: After the fourth year, Harry awakens a power inside himself only heard about in legends. The problem is, Voldemort has been working on a power boost of his own, and while it is a much smaller one, he is far better at using that power.
The Book of Dobby: Per Arcana ad Astra by Doghead Thirteen
- Recommended by: Looney Toons, Comartemis, Robinton
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: While obsessively cleaning Colin Creevy's stacks of nerd paraphernalia, Dobby stumbles on a book about The Battle Of Britain and takes a liking to the idea of big metal birds blowing shit up. A few weeks later after Voldemort's return, Harry is trying to think of ways to fight Voldemort and his Death Eaters when Dobby offers a solution involving magic, elves, and World War II air power. "TURNS OUTS THEM LIGHTSES! IS YOUS NOT KNOWING THERE IS BEING A WAR ON?"
- Tags: Humor, Adventure
Core Threads by theaceoffire
- Recommended by ScroogeMacDuck, Robinton
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: After a nth beating from the Dursleys, Harry retreats into his mindscape, where he manages to kill the Horcrux, gaining its knowledge and skills (though not memories) in the process. Free of the Horcrux's influence, the Dursleys actually become nice (if somewhat clueless), while Harry keeps growing in skill.
- Pairings: Has a romance between Fem!Harry and Hermione in the 'clichéd-fanfic-like' Alternate Universe that Harry visits at one point. Otherwise free of pairings.
- Comments: Summing up the wonderful insanity that is the plot of Core Threads is impossible. Let's just say that by Second Year, Harry's mindscape is populated by vampire baby ducks exploring a literal forest of alternate universes, Harry owns a superwarded island, is the richest person in the world, has a son who's a troll, another daughter who is a sentient wardstone, is Master of Death, has come back from the dead several times, and possesses hundreds of thousand souls. Also, the Grim Reaper lives in his head for some reason. It makes slightly more sense in context.
- Tags: Adventure/Humor
The Choices That Make Us by Anla-shok
- Recommended by Melinda
- Status Dormant
- Synopsis: A story detailing the lives of the five Black cousins; Sirius, Regulus, Narcissa, Bellatrix and Andromeda. The story focuses on their troubled upbringing, interactions with each other, varying sense of family loyalty and roles during the two Wizarding Wars before, after and during the events of the novels.
A Different Future by Lady Sabine of Macayhill
- Recommended by Joyce13
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: The Dursleys decide to not keep Harry Potter and leave him on the steps of a church. A wizarding Gypsy couple adopts him, giving him the name of Alexander Romanov, and making him the twin brother to their daughter. Things change from there.
- Tags: Family, Friendship
- Comments: The author has clearly done some research on the Romani, as they are shown in a good light and not in a stereotypical manner. It's mentioned that Harry's adoptive grandparents were in the concentration camps and survived the Holocaust prior to immigrating to England. He also has adoptive aunts, uncles, and cousins, who all care for him and know who he really is, but are keeping it a secret until he says otherwise. Harry (aka Alex), his sister Beth, Ron, and Neville, were all friends prior to Hogwarts, and after becoming friends with Hermione, they form a group called the Gryffindor quintet. The fic goes up to halfway through their fourth year.
- The fic also has a prequel of sorts called Saved from Darkness about Severus Snape and his relationship with Harry's adoptive family, based on the maternal grandparents telling Harry/Alex that Snape didn't exactly have a good childhood and after his mother's death, spent his summers working as an apprentice in their apothecary.
- The fic also has a prequel of sorts called Saved from Darkness
Dudley Dursley and the Quest for Truth by books101]
- Recommended by Tropical Snow
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: When Dudley Dursley and his parents are forced to spend a year with witches and wizards, Dudley decides this is the opportunity for him to learn more about his apparently famous cousin. With Potterwatch,tall tales and magic thrown into the mix, it's bound to be an interesting journey!
- Tags: Friendship, Drama
- Comments: This story is well-written and truly is an interesting and entertaining read. It also gives Dudley, Petunia and several minor characters some well-needed Character Development along the way.
The Evil Overlord List by boomvroomshroom
- Recommended by mothaibabon, Robinton, Chrispang
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Villains always make the same dumb mistakes. Luckily, Tom Riddle happens to have a rather cunning friend in his head to make sure that he does this "conquering the world" business the RIGHT way. It's about time the bad guys won for once.
- Tags: Adventure, Humor
- Comments: A hilarious trope-based story, given the title, but the some of the more disturbing jokes and its serious-ish plot prevents it from being put into the Crack section.
Fire Burns by Parnopius
- Recommended by skysong8, Aerin Alanna
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Set in Marauder time, seventh year, but centered around the Slytherins. Revolves around Katherine Riddle (Voldemort's daughter), her friend Remus, and her fellow Slytherins during their seventh year at Hogwarts. Not your traditional OC.
- Tags: Humor, dark
- Comments: Great characterization. Complex, occasionally dark, often hilarious.
- Aerin Alanna adds: Snarky, silly, dangerous, enigmatic...it's brilliantly written and extremely believable. There are other fics that go along with it: Fallen Angel, a sequel to Fire Burns; Carpe Diem, a prequel starring Remus; and Snapshots, oneshots set in the same world as the other three.
- Aerin Alanna adds: Snarky, silly, dangerous, enigmatic...it's brilliantly written and extremely believable. There are other fics that go along with it: Fallen Angel
Harry Potter and the Boy Who Lived by The Santi
- Recommended by Sweece, Tropers/Magic Kirby
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Harry Potter loves, and is loved by, his parents, his godfather, and his brother. He isn't mistreated, abused, or neglected. So why is he a Dark Wizard? NonBWL!Harry. Not your typical Harry's brother is the Boy Who Lived story.
- Tags: Adventure
- Comments: An excellent fic with a more intelligent and interesting Harry who isn't overpowered or bound by the chains of Destiny (or some such crap).
- Note: The fanfiction.net link is no longer being updated, but the up to date story can be found on Dark Lord Potter here. About a third of the way down the page of the link is where it picks up from where fanfiction.net left off. However, you need an account to access it. — Tropers/Magic Kirby
The Dagger of Foreboding by Lord Drash
- Recommended by The Omegod
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: An AU of the Harry Potter series with the characters searching for the above-mentioned Dagger of Foreboding.
- Tags: Humor, Romance, AU
- Comments: Honestly this is nearly impossible to describe. It is probably one of, if not the most, hilarious fanfic ever made for several reasons. It's written in an awkward style rife with inconsistencies and contradictions and can be a biting parody of Harry Potter fanfiction as a whole. Oh, and it has the best similes ever.
Harry Potter and the Game by Concept101
- Recommended by mathewhias, Popularmmorpgs, atjenminecart18
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Harry's always liked blue. Blue is the sky he couldn't see in his cupboard. Blue is the ocean he has only read about. Blue is the alert he has leveled up. Blue is freedom. Blue is life. A Life is a game style fanfiction. Harry Potter Series Re-imagined.
- Pairing(s): Harry/Hermione/Ginny
- Tags: Fantasy, Adventure
- Comments: The writing is average in the first few chapters, but the author's improvement is almost tangibly visible in the later chapters. The story has many different funny, serious, and emotional moments. The action is well written, there are good mystery elements and the characters have depth to them. The author has some pretty original ideas about house elves and Founders that he weaves well into the narrative of the canon-esque story.
Harry Potter and the Year of Madness by JacquiWrites
- Recommended by Schlubalybub
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Harry Potter defeated Lord Voldemort twelve hours ago. Follow him through his year of madness, where he will have to deal with unbelievers, friends and family, marriage proposals, Kreacher's massive over protectiveness and interesting way of misunderstanding, and much more.
- Comments: It's still being written, but it's quite promising. It's not the dark, miserable sort of fic that often appears when they're set directly after the end of the battle. Three chapters in, and it only seems to be the day after. Quite slow, and the author puts in punchlines at the end of each chapter. They work surprisingly well though.
- Unfortunately, the fic only has those three chapters. Given that it was last updated in 2016, it seems that whatever promise the fic had is irrelevant.
Harry Potter Reads The Multiverse By Crossoverpairinglover
- Recommended by KrspaceT
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis We've all seen Harry Potter, friends and enemies read his past, but what happens when he gains the opportunity to read the adventures of entirely different Harry Potters. Completely original stories that can range from harem tales to X-overs to pairings that don't make sense. Reading stars including students, staff, death eaters and the Dursleys.
- Comments: While not written on the level of, say, Firebird's Son, the sheer uniqueness of the idea helps make up for the above average but not stellar quality.
Harry Potter: The Boy Who Lived a Lie by Jacqui The Pirate
- Recommended by Schlubalybub
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: The writers of other books about Harry Potter have never had the pleasure or indeed misfortune of meeting him. I, Rita Skeeter have met him numerous times, which allows me to give the readers an insight into his life, a biography that I hope will provide an illuminating insight to "The Boy Who Lived."
- Comments: No pairings that weren't in the canon, and not really built on more within the fanfic, but this one isn't really about building on the story, but seeing it from another point of view, namely Rita's. As Rita wasn't exactly Harry's biggest fan within the canon, but writing a book about him anyway, I think that this fanfic also shows a lot about Rita herself—moreso than Harry or any of the other characters. She basically sees Harry as a way to make money, and it's stated numerous times that Harry refuses to speak to Rita, and would not be interviewed for the book.
The Innocence of Guilt by ENSIGN
- Recommended by Unclouded TJ
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Harry Potter was sentenced to Azkaban prison. However he never went there. Who is this James Pathertrory who's running around the world causing problems for the Death Eaters?
- Tags: Adventure, Humor
The Life and Times by Jewels5 (link here)
- Recommended by tropicalbeaches
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: She was dramatic. He was dynamic. She was precise. He was impulsive. He was James, and she was Lily, and one day they shared a kiss, but before that they shared many arguments, for he was cocky, and she was sweet, and matters of the heart require time.
- Pairings: James/Lily
- Tags: Drama, Adventure
A Long Journey Home by Rakeesh (link here)
- Recommended by Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: In one world, it was Harry Potter who defeated Voldemort. In another, it was Jasmine Potter instead. But her victory wasn't the end—her struggles continued long afterward. And began long, long before.
- Tags: Drama, Adventure, Fem!Harry, Powerful!Harry, Alternate Universe Fic, and Time Travel
Measure for Measure by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
- Recommended by Radiofreak
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Fornicate with the universe. Harry Potter's fifth year.
- Pairings: Harry/Daphne
- Comments: One of the best HP fanfics I have had the pleasure of reading, with a very well done first person view of a slightly mad Harry. Features Harry getting paid in virgins outside of a crackfic.
My Renewal, My Immortal by esbmusic42
- Recommended by Melody H. Grace
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Ebony Way is normal. Even if the rapidly-growing canines and love of blood say otherwise.
- Tags: Rewrite, Humor, Drama
- Comments: It's basically the author's attempt to give My Immortal's Ebony D'arkness Dementia Raven Way a real personality (and a normal name). There's not much up yet, but Ebony's character is pretty good and, more to the point, the Canon characters (Draco, Hermione, etc.) are pretty close to their Canon counterparts as well. It's not that long yet, but it's definitely worth the read.
- SubversionStation: While only six chapters were ever published, they're all very good and make a valient effort to redeem My Immortal's story. Worth a look as a novelty, at least.
Not Go Gentle by Cloneserpents
- Recommended by MrMous
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Harry goes on a Horcrux hunt, but is captured. Meanwhile, Hermione and Ron are having relationship problems...
- Pairing(s): HP/HG/SB/DG
- Tags: Horror, Tragedy, WARNING: This work contains depictions of sex, and group acts with both consensual and non-consensual sex scenes, graphic violence, (including but not limited to torture, murder, mutilation, rape, and more), These actions will happen TO and be performed BY major canon characters (both protagonists and antagonists). This is a horror story so readers should expect evil activity from canon characters.
- Comments: I have read this, and if you are faint-hearted or under 14, Viewer Discretion is advised.
Percy Take the Wheel by Kitty Smith
- Recommended by: fruitstripegum
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: A freak accident with Arthur's enchanted Ford Anglia causes a minor explosion and a major change in the Weasley household. With Arthur in a coma and Molly having passed away, Bill and Charlie can't afford to quit their jobs and must support the family from afar. Thus, it falls to Percy to handle the day-to-day, even if he's not sure that he can.
Of A Sort by FernWithy
- Recommended by Melinda.
- Status:: Dead
- Synopsis: The point of view of multiple students, across multiple generations, as they arrive at Hogwarts and try on the Sorting Hat, with their destinies being sorted out.
- Comments: There is some very good insight offered into plenty of canon characters, with a good deal of teasing of things that may have been and some strong writing. Unfortunately, the story contains some continuity errors due to being Outdated by Canon (it was written a year before the publication of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince), such as how long it took the hat to sort Voldemort and some of Snape's family background. It also never follows up on its last story marked "to be continued" (although the constantly changing cast of characters doesn't make this a serious cliffhanger). However, neither of these provides a major determent to enjoying a story following what house so many of the new kids want to be in, why, and where they end up.
To Reach Without by inwardtransience
- Recommended by Aust Sakura Kyzor
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Harry Potter has had enough of being Harry Potter, and wishes desperately to be anyone other than Harry Potter. Magic complies with this wish but upon waking up Harry has some issues with HER new situation.
- Pairings: Harry/Susan; Brief mentions of other pairings here and there, including Tracy/Daphne; Fred/Hermione/George; Voldemort/Bellatrix
- Tags: Angst; Drama; Hurt/Comfort; LGBTQ+ Friendly; Fem!Harry Trans* Harry; Gratuitous Celtic
- Comments: It's a VERY LGBTQ+ friendly (and long) fanfic, and each chapter is a small fanfic into itself. Personally I think that's all it needs as a selling point. The author is VERY good.
Realizations by Wishweaver
- Recommended by Looney Toons, Seraviel, Dor, Alfa290
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: A Harry Potter fic set in the summer after Goblet of Fire—Harry comes back from Hogwarts to discover the Dursleys have packed up and moved to Australia without telling him, and he must find a way to survive the summer without unnecessarily alarming anyone.
- Tags: AU Summer before Fifth Year, Not particularly fast paced.
- Comments: What's especially notable about this fic is that (1) the Fridge Logic employed is never condescending to canon, and (2) nobody is vilified—even the way that Harry's abuse escaped the notice of the Order and the Ministry is covered in an amazingly believable way (one Ministry social worker mistakes Petunia's violent reaction against magic as protectiveness and shielding Harry from potential Death Eaters!), and once I got over Figg being a full witch and not a squib, my suspension of disbelief has never wavered.
Reign Down by drD
- Recommended by Witchfinder
- Status: Dead
- Pairings: Hermione/Harem
- Synopsis: Occasionally, things do not always go as planned. After the war, the wizarding world is not run by the Light. It's run by power and blood. Hermione's concept of peace and equality has always been relative, even if it's granted under Voldemort's executed strategy. Yet, his carefully crafted utopia cannot be held without sacrifice. It's time for Hermione to prove her worth in a new era of control masked as peace.
- Tags: AU.
- Comments: AUs where Voldemort wins and there's a Dark!Hermione are nothing new under the sun, but this story takes a common formula and polishes it while throwing their own little touches on it. The primary focus is Hermione's life among the Purebloods and Death Eaters post-Wizarding War with her and many other familiar faces being sucked into a dark rabbit hole. It features a lot of world-building and, to this troper's happiness, allusions to more real-world based references to witchcraft. It's dark, but not needlessly and hopelessly dark despite its subject matter, which is already a plus (though it features a lot of necessary OOCness). A major highlight is the writing, which is devilishly smooth and seductive. Hermione also gets a magical lesbian harem, which should have sold you already.
Session Transcripts by lastcrazyhorn
- Recommended by templar627, Salnax1
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: What happens when a brain damaged Harry and a transgender Hermione both get sorted into Slytherin? Snape's not sure, but he thinks it's likely to be an interesting term. This story follows various first years through the trials of their first year.
- Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Trans!Hermione, and Friendship
- Comments: This story is just amazing. The characters seem to really just jump off the page, all of them have their pro and cons. They seem to be truly more than just one dimensional, from big names like Malfoy to background characters like Crabbe. Also, the transgender Hermione isn't as bad as it seems. He/she just really seems to be a guy stuck in a girls body and acts accordingly. Also, the brain damaged Harry seems to finish off the fic giving huge amounts of WAFF and generally empathizing with everyone, even a a troll
- I'd like to add that while the story line is endearing, Snape does have some out of character moments. Hermes (the Trans!Hermione), while extremely believable as a character, might as well have been an OC, as this character doesn't resemble Hermione much at all. It is clear that the author does not like Draco Malfoy, and overlooks the canon relationship between he and Snape completely. The other first years the story follows (a couple from each house) are actually almost more interesting than the characters the summery emphasizes! Their own issues are much more gripping because they're easier to relate too. Vincent Crabbe is given a lot of characterization. All the characters are well written, even if they do deviate from canon.
Summon the Lambs to Slaughter by La Guera
- Recommended by Powerupz 77
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: When a bizarre transfer student comes to Hogwarts, Snape pushes her to the breaking point. But when he's accused of a crime he never committed, she is the only one who can prove his innocence.
- Tags: Drama, Adventure, AU, Darkfic
- Comments: If you can ignore the slightly canon-deviant things, but enjoy the blatant (and proud) AU, this Dark Fic is utterly brilliant. It continues from Fifth Year with the arrival of Rebecca Stanhope, a transfer student from the Disabled American Institute of Magical Studies. Problems encountered due to her disability is well thought-out, as it is a bit of a Self-Insert Fic. The tone of the story gets dark pretty quickly, and readers will enjoy the complex storyline and wry humour. Sadly, the story abruptly ends, leaving readers to fill in the gaps.
Swear to be Remembered by Laces Kai
- Recommended by Komodo Classic
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: A story about a map, it's makers and wandering mischief makers. Follows the Marauders' Map, through its creation, various users, and into the next generation.
- Tags: Friendship and Family
Unequivocally Unusual by Quantum Cat
- Recommended by Comartemis Ayacyana
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Fate kicks Harry in the teeth in his second year when Ron and Hermione are both petrified by the basilisk. With the rest of the school villifying him worse than ever and nobody left to turn to, Harry begins to break down... until coincidence throws him a bone. A rather loony bone.
- Tags: Adventure, Friendship
- Comments: Now here's something you don't see every day; a Harry/Luna friendship fic. No soul bonds, no "twu wuv!", and no use of Obfuscating Stupidity to turn Luna into a Possession Sue. A very engaging take on what it would take for these two to hit it off and what happens when you mix Lovegood-brand insanity into Harry's usual adventures. Highly recommended.
Voldemort's Children by EliDupree (link here)
- Recommended by Zeroignite, Salnax1, feral
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: A story of what the possible effects 11 years of horrible abuse would have had on a young Harry, and the aftermath. Hint: it isn't pleasant.
- Tags: Abuse, Dark
- Comments: This webcomic has a pretty distinctive art and storytelling style. Definitely an alternate take on the HP backstory that I think is worth exploring.
The Wall by brenners
- Recommended by mermaidgirl45, Eyikl
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: What if, in Hogwarts, there was a wall in the girls bathroom where there was a list of all the guys in the school, rated from 1-10?
- Tags: Humor
- Comments: This is a great fic. It's really interesting, funny, and it sticks with the characters. It comes highly recommended.
Warrior's Heir by Osireia
- Recommended by Unclouded TJ, abcd_z
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Harry is thrown into a world where purebloods are discriminated against, Tom Riddle is the Boy Who Lived, and the Dark Lord...is someone he'd never suspect. Will his emerging abilities be enough? Should he support Riddle—or the Dark Lord?
- Tags: Adventure, Friendship, AU
Worthy of Magic by Raul Fictitious
- Alternative source: https://www.inkitt.com/stories/fanfiction/158067
- Recommended by: sloth4
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: A tale of a twisted Harry's view on Magic and his psychopathic journey. An exploration of an unstable mind.
- ”Comments:” A beautifully written tale of an abused and neglected Harry Potter who turns to magic as an escape. It slowly builds as Harry grows into his power and affects the world around him, culminating in a fateful day that remakes the world. Overall, the worldbuilding is top-notch. The author pulls in characters that saw only minor roles in the canon story (such as Daphne Greengrass) and fleshes them out. The author alters events and the story shows how they branch into new events that ricochet and resonate off each other. Highly recommended.
