Maybe Harry discovers a new magic that was long forgotten. For example, he might find a spell book in the Forbidden Forest that leads him on this new path of magic exploration.
One possible plot could be that Harry discovers he has a long - lost relative who was a powerful wizard but had been exiled for some reason. This relative has left behind a set of magical tasks for Harry to complete that will lead him to a new kind of magic that he's never known before. It could involve traveling to far - off magical lands and making new allies.
There could be a new professor at Hogwarts. Maybe a young and brilliant wizard who has just returned from a long journey in a far - away magical land. This professor could bring in new ideas and spells, and become an important figure in Harry's new path.
There could be a group of rogue Death Eaters who escaped justice and have banded together again. They believe that Voldemort's ideas were right but that he was too weak. So they target Harry, thinking that if they can defeat him, they can finally achieve their goal of a pure - blood - dominated wizarding world. They might be more cunning and less flashy than Voldemort, making them a more difficult enemy to detect.
One possible plot idea could be that the main character in the fanfic decides to leave their old, mundane life behind. For example, if it's a fanfic based on a fantasy world, they might leave their small village to become an adventurer in a big city. They could face challenges like making new friends, learning new skills, and dealing with the politics of the adventuring guilds.
One idea could be a new student arriving at Hogwarts. They could be a muggle - born with a very unique magical ability that even the professors are surprised by. This new character could start making friends with the main characters like Harry, Hermione and Ron, and get involved in some mystery that is starting to unfold in the school.
Perhaps the runestone path is not really a physical path at all, but a mental or spiritual journey. So, as Harry progresses along it, he starts to lose his memories of his friends and Hogwarts, and has to find a way to regain them while still following the path. This would add a whole new level of complexity to the story as he struggles with his identity and purpose while on this strange journey.
It could be about Harry getting a new chance to save Sirius. Maybe in this fanfiction, the events at the Ministry of Magic unfold differently. Instead of Sirius being killed by Bellatrix, a time - turner - like device gives Harry a new opportunity to prevent his godfather's death. He could use new spells or strategies he didn't think of before.
One possibility could be a new beginning for a minor character. For example, Neville Longbottom could start a new life as a respected herbology professor in a different wizarding school, sharing his knowledge and inspiring a new generation of young wizards. He could have overcome his insecurities and found his true calling, far away from the shadow of Hogwarts and his past self - doubting days.
Well, it could be about a new character named Robin who enters the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Maybe Robin is a muggle - born with extraordinary powers that haven't been seen before. This new character could get involved in the fight against the dark forces, forming an unlikely alliance with Harry and his friends.
One possible plot could be that Harry Potter, on a secret mission for the Ministry of Magic, travels to New York. There he discovers a hidden magical community that has its own unique set of spells and traditions. He teams up with local wizards to fight a dark force that is threatening to expose the wizarding world to the muggles of New York.