10 Must-Read Fanfics, According To Reddit
So many Harry Potter fanfics have maintained their popularity over the years, and Redditors have shared some of their favorite ones!
The constant expansion of the Harry Potter universe - whether it be via new films like Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, or games like Hogwarts Legacy - proves that fans are far from done with the series. However, there is another way fans have self-managed to stay connected with the beloved Wizarding World: fanfiction.
From furthering canon storylines to imagining a future to re-writing favorite non-canonical ships, there are a plethora of diverse Harry Potter fics that further enrich the Potterhead experience. Thankfully, Redditors have taken it upon themselves to share some of the best ones out there.
Heal Thyself By astolat
Although originally established as an arrogant, condescending, and dark rival, Draco Malfoy evolved to become one of the series' most beloved characters. Draco is a prime selection for fanfics as well, with many focusing on redeeming his character and giving him a happier ending, such as Heal Thyself.
Redditor Darkest_Phoenix07 shared its highlights: "I like the development on Draco's career and his character. He goes from being bitter and self-pitying to getting his life on track. I like the take on healing magic. It really expands moderately on dark magic effects ... very good world-building skills." It also focuses on a very popular ship: Drarry.
Fate Is a four-letter word By Philo
While some fics re-write current canon, others expand Rowling's original plot by taking place in the future, as in Fate Is A Four Letter Word. The story chronicles a grown Harry's failed attempt to live a normal life, and the new adventures that await when danger returns.
Redditor maryfamilyresearch shared that they "absolutely love this story because it has a very dense plot and manages to keep you on the edge of your seat for its whole 525k words. There is angst, yet lots of funny moments as well... Despite all the mystery and the intrigue, the story also manages to explore what it means to be a parent and fall in love... especially when people object to your choice of partner... So relatable in so many ways."
Blindness by AngelaStarCat
One of Harry's best qualities - besides being one of the funniest characters - was his willingness to persevere, despite whatever pain and loss he was going through. He constantly kept trying against all odds, and that determination is built upon further in Blindness, which changes the outcomes of Voldemort's attack on baby Harry. Interestingly, the story was inspired by the author's own experiences.
Redditor Reichbane enjoyed the story's change in power dynamics and how it "focuses on the exploration of magic and science in a unique and fun way without Harry lording his power over people and monologuing about how cool and smart and strong he is."
Seventh Horcrux By Emerald Ashes
The best fanfics are the ones fans can visit again and again with the same fervor and love as the first time reading them. Seventh Horcrux is one such piece of fanfic. Although it's given a seemingly darker premise, the fic is known to be a comedic and bewildering one.
Reddit user Electrical_Ad_8352 explained: "Seventh Horcrux is a story about Voldemort possessing Harry as a baby and is genuinely one of the funniest pieces of fiction I've ever read. Harrymort is such a bizarre but compelling character and his warped worldview makes the most innocuous situations entertaining." For those looking for something different, this fanfic may be it.
A Marauder's Plan By CatsAreCool
Sirius is undeniably one of the most beloved Marauders, and his character arc has been re-written by many fic authors who preferred to see Harry's guardian in a more supporting and alive light. A Marauder's Plan depicts Sirius doing his best to give Harry a better, more loving home after the events of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Redditor urlias describes it as a "great story about Sirus not leaving England after being rescued from the tower. He puts on his Marauder's hat and figures out a way to make sure Harry is safe, even if it means taking over Magical Britain. A great story everyone should read," particularly if they're a Padfoot stan.
Lady of the Lake by Colubrina
While Draco and Harry are amongst the fan ships with the highest number of fanworks, another favorite ship on par with Drarry is Dramione. Their similar personalities and opposing views, along with Draco's learned hatred for Hermione, give the two the perfect dynamic for an enemies-to-lovers trope, which fanfictions like Lady of the Lake optimize.
Redditor yeetbeanie shared that it is their "go-to comfort read. Hermione decides to take over the government and in a much more sane and manipulative manner than Voldemort. Draco helps her with her plot, and they eventually get married... the balance of the fic is amazing... the narrative is incredibly satisfying." Plus, Dramione prevails!
The Serpentine Subterfuge by murkybluematter
One of the best things about fanfiction is that they are free to break through the canon and create entirely new universes with loved characters, and The Serpentine Subterfuge does precisely that. A sequel to The Pureblood Pretense, this fic focuses on Harriet Potter's tribulations as she continues to pose as a pureblood boy.
Reddit user UsernamesAreRuthless states they were at first "put off by the concept of a girl-Harry, but once I got past the initial weirdness, I couldn't pull myself away. The lies that slowly grow more elaborate, Riddle as a blackmailing politician, Snape as a Potions Master who takes Harry under his wing... James, Lily, and Sirius are alive, and just like I imagined them. Immersing myself in the world of Potions has never been more wonderful."
The Last Enemy: The Howling Nights By CH_Darling
The Marauders are a popular topic for Harry Potter fics, with many writers expanding on their teenage adventures and developing their most popular ships, like Remus and Lupin. The Last Enemy: The Howling Nights depicts the Marauders, along with Lily and Snape, navigating through their lives amidst the brewing war.
Redditor TinyButMighty2 gave it a rave review: "Best fanfic I’ve ever read. I won’t stop promoting it lol. It’s a Marauders era story, which there’s plenty of already, but this one is fantastically written, fills in lots of gaps in very good ways, is from multiple POVs (Snape, Lily, Sirius, Regulus, etc.), is incredibly close to canon, and adds so much more to the idea of blood politics." Fans of the marauders will surely love this fanfic.
The Disappearances of Draco Malfoy By speechwriter
Draco Malfoy was one of several Harry Potter characters that deserved a redemption arc, and The Disappearances of Draco Malfoy fulfills that by altering the canon events of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The story paints a world where Draco lowered his wand and joined Dumbledore and Harry's side, rather than staying with the Death Eaters and doing the Dark Lord's bidding. It also features a prominent Hermione and Draco romance.
Reddit user itsasixthing had this to say about it: "I’m not normally a fan of Draco/Hermione, but I really enjoyed this fic. I thought Draco’s redemption arc was well done, and Ron’s side-plot made me so happy and had one of the best Ron’s I’ve seen in fanfic." This one is a must-read for Dramione and Ron fans alike.
The Augurey By La-Matrona
The Harry and Hermione ship, fondly referred to as Harmony, is another favorite for fanfic readers who want to see their non-canon romance played out. The Augurey grants fans that slow-burn build-up between the two, whilst also incorporating elements from Cursed Child in an exciting new way.
Reddit user TheOriginalDv describes it as "a Harmony story where the trio finds out about Delphini when they're at Grimmauld place during the hunt... the prologue is still one of my favorites ever... Also, it's got one of the best renditions of Molly Weasley I've read in fanfiction, her talk with Hermione after her break-up with Ron is still amazing, and burned into my mind forever." A must-read for all Harmony shippers!
