Well, Harry could be doing research on the history of Hogwarts. Maybe he's trying to uncover secrets about the founders that could help him better understand the school's magic and protect it during the summer. He might be delving into old books in the restricted section or even interviewing ghosts.
In certain fanfiction, Harry may be doing research on magical creatures. He could be studying their behaviors, habitats, and how to use their unique abilities for his own advantage or for the greater good of the wizarding world. This research might involve traveling to different magical locations and consulting with experts in the field.
Hermione would be a likely helper. She's always into books and knowledge, so she'd probably be right there with Harry, sharing her insights and helping him find relevant information.
Well, physically he could change too. Fanfic writers might describe him as growing taller or stronger during the summer break. Emotionally, he might deal with his past traumas better. For example, if he had nightmares about Voldemort, he could learn to overcome them, perhaps through some new magical techniques he discovers or with the help of his friends. This could make him more resilient and less haunted by his past, which is a significant change for his character.
Often, he becomes more self - reliant. Since he can't always count on others during the summer away from Hogwarts, he learns to solve problems on his own. For instance, if there's a magical creature causing trouble near the Dursleys' house, he has to figure out how to deal with it without the help of teachers or friends right away.
One common theme is self - improvement. Harry often uses the summer to better himself, whether it's learning new spells or getting in better shape.
One way could be in his relationships. He might have made new friends or mended broken relationships. For instance, if he had a falling - out with Ron before the summer, during the summer months in the fanfiction, he could have worked on getting their friendship back on track.
Emotionally, he could have changed a great deal. If in the fanfiction he faced some personal challenges over the summer, like dealing with the loss of a friend or a new family situation. This might have made him more withdrawn or on the contrary, more determined to face his enemies. For example, if he discovered some secrets about his family that made him question his identity, it would have a profound impact on his emotional state.
Well, one possibility is that Snape could start to see Harry in a new light. Maybe he discovers Harry's hidden talents or interests during the summer. For example, Harry might show an aptitude for potions that Snape had previously overlooked.
Often, he changes in his relationships. Maybe he gets closer to some of his friends, like Hermione and Ron. They could plan things together for the upcoming school year, which strengthens their bond. Also, he might have a new understanding of his enemies or those he doesn't get along with, leading to a change in how he interacts with them.
Maybe it could be about Harry having some sort of self - discovery journey during the summer. He might start working out, change his style, and as a result, become more attractive both physically and in terms of his new - found confidence.
In some fanfictions, Harry might change physically. He could have grown taller or more muscular from any summer training he did. For example, if he was secretly practicing Quidditch on his own, it could have affected his physique. Also, mentally he could have become more mature. Maybe he spent the summer reading advanced magic books and this broadened his understanding of magic, making him more confident and less impulsive in his actions.