Another concept could be that a Downton Abbey character discovers they have magical abilities. Say, Daisy the kitchen maid suddenly realizes she can move objects with her mind. She has to keep it a secret from the other servants and the family, but she uses her newfound powers to make her life in the kitchen easier, like magically cleaning pots and pans or making the food taste better without anyone knowing how she does it.
Perhaps in this fanfiction, the characters from Downton Abbey could visit Hogwarts. The Crawley family might be invited to Hogwarts for an international relations event. Lady Mary could be fascinated by the magic and the freedom that witches and wizards have compared to the strict social rules she's used to. Meanwhile, the Hogwarts students could be intrigued by the formalities and elegance of the Downton Abbey people.
One idea could be a crossover where the magic of Harry Potter enters the refined world of Downton Abbey. For example, a wizard or witch could be disguised as a servant at Downton and secretly use magic to solve various problems in the household, like mending broken heirlooms with a spell or helping a character with a love problem using a love potion in a very discreet way.
Well, one interesting plot idea is the introduction of magic into the Downton Abbey society. Imagine the Dowager Countess's reaction to seeing a wizard perform magic right in front of her! Another idea could be a Hogwarts student getting lost and ending up at Downton Abbey, and having to find their way back to the wizarding world while dealing with the strict social norms of Downton.
One idea could be a fanfic about a servant's secret life outside of Downton Abbey. Maybe they have a hidden talent for painting and are trying to make a name for themselves in the art world secretly. Another could be a story about a forbidden romance between a member of the Crawley family and a local villager that goes against the social norms of the time. And also, a fanfic about how the Abbey copes during a particularly harsh winter with shortages of food and fuel could be interesting.
Perhaps in the fanfiction, Cora's pregnancy is a symbol of new hope for Downton Abbey. With the estate facing financial difficulties, the family sees the unborn child as a chance for a fresh start. There could be a sub - plot where a local doctor is competing with Dr. Clarkson to be the one to oversee Cora's pregnancy. This rivalry could lead to some interesting medical decisions and tensions within the Abbey.
The 'alternate universe' trope is also quite popular. In this, the two universes are merged in some way from the start. Maybe Hogwarts is located near Downton Abbey and students interact with the local aristocracy. Or perhaps the wizarding world has always been a part of the Downton Abbey world, but hidden, and now things are starting to come to light. This trope allows for a lot of creative storytelling and exploring how the two very different settings can co - exist.
I think Sirius Black and the Dowager Countess would be a hilarious pair. Sirius is a bit of a rebel, always defying the norms of the wizarding world. The Dowager Countess is set in her ways and very proper. Their interactions would be full of comical misunderstandings. Sirius might accidentally use magic in front of her, and she would be both shocked and intrigued, trying to maintain her dignity while dealing with this strange new phenomenon.
One interesting storyline could be a servant getting pregnant and the drama that unfolds as she tries to hide it from the strict upper - class employers. Maybe she's in love with a footman but they're not allowed to marry, and the pregnancy adds a whole new layer of complication.
In some Downton Abbey oc fanfiction, an original character might be a new servant with a mysterious past. For example, they could be on the run from something and their presence at the Abbey gradually uncovers secrets not only about themselves but also about some of the long - standing families in Downton. This adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the story.
Some Tumblr blogs are also dedicated to sharing and discussing such fanfictions. Just search for relevant tags like #DowntonAbbey #HarryPotter #Fanfiction. However, the quality can vary widely, so it might take some time to sift through. Another option is to join relevant fanfiction groups on Facebook or Reddit. Members often share their favorite stories or even write their own and post them within the group for others to enjoy.
One plot idea could be that Anna's pregnancy is a difficult one. She might face health issues, and the servants at Downton Abbey all come together to support her. Mrs. Hughes could offer her motherly advice, and Mr. Bates could be in a constant state of worry yet also joy at the thought of becoming a father. Another idea is that there could be some mystery surrounding the pregnancy. Maybe there are rumors in the village that the baby isn't Bates' which causes a lot of drama within the Abbey walls. The family might also get involved, with Lady Mary perhaps being a bit envious at first but then growing to be very protective of Anna.
In a fanfiction, Sybil's pregnancy might lead to her exploring new ideas about motherhood and how to raise a child in the upper - class society of Downton Abbey. She could start challenging some of the traditional norms. For example, she might want her child to be educated in a more progressive way than what is typical for the Crawley family.