I distinctly remember the evening I accompanied my uncle to the railway station. It marked the day I would step into the fantastical world of Hogwarts. I was 10, and Platform 9 ¾ had yet to come into sight. Tightly gripped in my hands was a pretty copy of the 2011 Bloomsbury edition.
I was biased toward the pretty box set, for I had already judged a book by its cover. I was obsessed with the characters, the magic, Dumbledore’s wise words, and the weird yet adorable creatures, which left me wanting more. This obsession had me searching for the best Harry Potter fanfiction on Google. As a Potterhead, I’ve read and enjoyed them, and I hope you will too.
The 13 Best Harry Potter Fanfiction Stories
Being a Potterhead is certainly not easy. Keeping up with the original plot takes years of re-reading, and perhaps even memorizing certain plot points. Not to mention all of its intricate world-building elements and all its deep characters.
Yet, this is nothing in comparison to the 609,000 or more Harry Potter fan fics available today. Fanfiction.net alone boasts 608,000, and the rest are spread across widely known fanfic sites like Wattpad, A03, Quotev, and Livejournals. While there’s something for everyone, here’s an extensive checklist of a few favourites:
1. A Twist in the Story by Ingrid Custodio
FOR: THE PLOT TWIST ENTHUSIASTS
RATED: K+
WATTPAD METRIC: 224,000 reads and 7,400 votes
The plot of this fanfiction rests on a lot of what-ifs. Led through a labyrinth of those questions, this plot highlights Harry Potter’s twin sister, who is separated at birth. While Harry Potter is at the Dursleys, his sister Harriet Angelica Potter, is sent to an orphanage.
They reunite at Hogwarts, and the rest of the plot unfolds. The twist will catch up to you soon. Providing any more information would mean spoiling the reading experience. As a bonus, the author revealed that there is a sequel in lieu of the response to the first story, titled The Story Continues.
2. In the Valley of Death, the Hallowed Light Shines by TheLostBoys333
FOR: THOSE WHO LIKE AN ULTIMATE ALTERNATE-UNIVERSE ADVENTURE
RATED: M
QUOTEV METRIC: 154 reads (in 2 weeks)
Focusing on Severitus, where Snape takes up the role of Harry’s biological father, mentor, or guide, this recent plot adopts a familial tone. The title originally refers to a poetic and spiritual Psalm (23:4), while this fanfic’s plot remains intense and interesting. It starts with Harry’s realization that he’s locked in a room by Dumbledore – a room that seemingly tries to kill him.
When Snape steps in to protect him, Harry learns of the prophecy from Death. The family drama from a stern and kind Snape is least expected, but wholesome. With Dumbledore as evil, the plot is bound to run its own course. Uncompleted, it still provides an angsty family drama with the hurt/comfort paternal trope at its center.
3. Divided and Entwined by Starfox5
FOR: THOSE WHO ENJOY A DARKER TAKE ON THE WIZARDING WORLD
RATED: M
GOODREADS METRIC: 4/5
Cue the society of Wizarding, Britain. The characters, though loyal to the original series by J K Rowling, act differently. An alternate universe story, it follows Cornelius Fudge, who doesn’t ignore Voldemort’s return at the end of 4th year. He tries to appease the Dark Lord, on account of Draco Malfoy’s influence. To them, a “small” sacrifice on the part of the Muggleborns could stop waging war.
Keen on protecting their own, revenge is brandished with “an eye for an eye” appeal. Hermione and several others vehemently protest against it, but will it suffice? It is a masterful Hermione-centric fanfic, with Dumbledore being more than just a black and white character.
4. A Badger’s Love by the dork knight
FOR: THOSE CRAVING A ROMANCE THAT WILL MELT ANY POTTERHEAD’S HEART
RATED: M
FANFICTION.NET METRIC: 1,789 favs and 797 follows
Difficult to rate a full 5 stars, A Badger’s Love comes with certain technicalities and plotholes which feel irksome. Yet, the unique pairing makes it an underrated love story. With Hannah Abbott learning that she is betrothed to Harry Potter on her 16th birthday, this interesting ship manages to stay afloat. With an endearing end, even Hinny (Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley) fans will quickly be won over.
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5. Six Pomegranate Seeds by Seselt
FOR: LOVERS OF HERMIONE-CENTRIC STORIES
RATED: M
FANFICTION.NET METRIC: 2,865 favs and 2,715 follows
If you love Hermione-centric stories, this one is simply delicious! The plot employs references from Greek mythology while pursuing its own beginning of an end. With aspects of time-travel and alternate universes, Hermione is holding onto a fraying thread. She is not sure if she is Arachne or Persephone yet. All she is sure of is her desperation to protect her friends, even if she has to walk the dark path.
6. Manacled by SenLinYu
FOR: THE DRAMIONE SHIPPERS
RATED: M
GOODREADS METRIC: 4.6-4.7/5
Apart from the Harry Potter and Hermione Granger fanfictions, there are also many Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger pairing fanfics. For the Dramione shippers, this dark fanfic stands the test of time. While it explores themes of trust, sacrifice, survival, and loss, it also delves into the complexities of relationships in an oppressive environment. That said, this darkly fictitious plot is classified under adult fanfiction Harry Potter, not recommended for minors.
Incredibly bleak, the story presents itself with harsh themes. Borrowing framework from Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, the setting for the plot offers an alternate universe following The Order of the Phoenix. While Manacled remains the most recommended among fanfictions for the Draimone shippers, it is not a starkly romantic tale.
The dystopian war setting allows for little romance. This one is a real emotional investment with a tinge of Beauty-and-the-Beast vibes. Among all the Draimone fanfics out there, this is almost always a recommendation.
7. All Our Secrets Laid Bare by Firethesound
FOR: THE DRARRY FANS
RATED: M
GOODREADS METRIC: 4.2/5
For the Drarry Fans, this love is in the air. This over-a-decade-old fanfic is considered one among the best Harry Potter fanfictions. In fact, it is said to be the holy grail of Draco Harry shippers. A classic fluffy enemies-to-lovers book, the plot follows Draco, who works as an Auror.
During his six years, four of his partners have turned up dead. Harry is sent in to investigate. It employs all the principles of a slow-burn romance. An absolute treat for Drarry lovers!
8. The Last Enemy series by CH_Darling
FOR: FANS OF THE MARAUDERS-ERA MISCHIEF
RATED: T/M
GOODREADS METRIC: 4.7/5
Think canon-compliant Marauders-era epic plot. The fanfic has 332,304 words (and counting), the author offers a depth of collective lived experiences of the Marauders. Developments surrounding the major canonical events come with more emotional weight than provided in the original.
Even though it is written in third-person narration style, the multiple POV do not disrupt the overall flow of the plot. Each character’s idiosyncratic description allows the author to freestyle with their own creativity. While character-centric, Darling has made room for belly-aching humor, and it is undeniably one among the best Harry Potter fanfictions.
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9. Stages of Hope by kayly silverstorm
FOR: WHEN YOU WANT SOME HUMOR WITH MAGIC
RATED: M
GOODREADS METRIC: 4/5
While readers do not completely agree with this fanfiction living up to its title, it is one that combines adventure and drama well with humor. Despite the darker themes sprinkled through its plot, it offers an alternate universe fanfiction view of 18 months after the Weasley wedding at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
We are introduced to a confused Head of Slytherin, Sirius Black, who stumbles upon two “strangers” at Hogwarts, one of whom claims to be the son of Lily Lupin and James Potter. With a no-pairings plot, it follows the canon of the original Deathly Hallows, with Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Luna’s hunt for the Horcruxes.
The characters’ POV warms up to the reader and the emotional investment is almost immediate – misery cannot be made to disappear magically. The author skillfully adapts the plot banking on the readers’ familiarity with the original world and its characters.
10. The Pureblood Pretense by Murkybluematter
FOR: READERS WHO LOVE AN EPIC MULTI-CHAPTER JOURNEY
RATED: T
GOODREADS METRIC: 4.6/5
The Pureblood Pretense showcases an epic journey full of clichè ploys that readers hate to see coming – overpowered protagonist, revisionism of powers (to further plot), Occlumancy misrepresentation, and more. Violet Matter (Murkybluematter) makes it work. To think of entertainment meeting these clichés to give more than a decent fanfiction,
This is a Harry Potter crossover fanfiction that uses the Rigel Black Chronicles as its base framework. The Rigel Black Chronicles on its own is a crossover fanfiction combining universes from Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness series and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The author proudly claims this is a Harry Potter AU, but with an Alanna the Lioness’ take on it. With its 229,389 words, this complete multi-chapter epic comfortably seats itself among the favourites.
11. for long as you need us by ballerinaroy
FOR: WHEN YOU NEED A GOOD CRY
RATED: T and up
FANFICTION.NET METRIC: 13 favs and 7 follows
If you love reading sad books, this fanfic is a must-read. It follows the plot of the post-war scenario where Harry Potter and his friends return to the Burrows for survival. Parallely, we are glimpsing into George, and his brief isolation.
The plot twists in this fanfic will leave you gasping, and I strongly recommend keeping a few tissues at arm’s length. The angst, hurt/comfort, and golden trio friendship operate at the center of this fanfiction. This one-sitting read will stay long after its reading.
12. Blood and Gold by obsidianpen
FOR: TIME TRAVEL FANATICS
RATED: M
A03 METRIC: 28,977 Kudos, 6,487 Bookmarks and 1,250,794 Hits
Sitting high in the list of Harry Potter fanfiction time travel, this underrated plot covers Hermione travelling back in time to stop Tom Riddle. Blood and Gold is the only fanfiction that comes close to a sympathetic portrayal of Tom Riddle’s character, while also not shying away from the fact that he ruthlessly seeks to get rid of Muggleborns.
What gives it a refreshing flavor lies in the fact that it offers almost equal powers to Riddle and Granger, when most fanfics elevate Tom to a much higher level. Presenting a deep and intricate plot, his potential is given a shout-out, even as he descends into darkness. I personally loved the fanfic, and I urge all Hermione fans to give this one a chance.
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13. The Lonely Letters by JusticeRings
FOR: UNDERRATED FAN FIC LOVERS
RATED: M
FANFICTION.NET METRIC: 3,987 favs and 4,748 follows
For a fanfiction, The Lonely Letters is as underrated as it gets. Though a classic choice among the Fleur-Harry fanfics, this title generally doesn’t show up among the popular picks. Its plot follows Harry’s absolute-nightmare-of-a-life with the Dursleys.
Marinating in his loneliness, he begins to write letters. Hedwig, taking upon herself to be the MVP, delivers it to yet another loner, Fleur Delacour. A bittersweet fanfic and a hidden gem you’ve never heard of. Go ahead and read this one ASAP, and I promise you won’t regret it.
Final Thoughts
The reason why these are the best Harry Potter fanfictions is that they don’t have Harry as the protagonist. Some feature Hermione, some have Snape as its lead, and some have Tom Riddle as the central character. This is hands down the ultimate list for all Potterheads. If you love reading fanfics too, recommend your favorites in the comments! And lastly, you know what they say: Once a Potterhead, always a Potterhead!
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