Who are some underrated characters that could have a bigger role in a Harry Potter 7th year au fanfiction?

Luna Lovegood might also be a possible love interest. Her unique personality and view of the wizarding world could attract Harry in a different way. She's not afraid to be herself and is very open - minded. In an AU, Harry could see her in a new light and they could start a relationship based on their shared experiences of being a bit different from the norm in Hogwarts.

Winky the house - elf. She was briefly in the fourth year story but there's so much more that could be done with her. Maybe she has some secrets about the Dark Arts that she's been hiding because she's afraid of getting in trouble.

In AU 4th - year fanfictions, relationships can change a great deal. For example, if Harry was raised by Sirius instead of the Dursleys. His confidence might be higher, and his relationship with Draco could be less antagonistic from the start. Maybe they could even become reluctant allies in the face of a new threat at Hogwarts. Also, Hermione might form a closer bond with Neville as they study together more often in this AU, and Ron could become a bit jealous of their newfound friendship.

Moaning Myrtle. She's central to the Chamber of Secrets story, but there's more that could be done with her. In fanfiction, she could have a more complex personality. Maybe she has some secrets of her own about the Chamber, or she could form an unexpected friendship with one of the main characters, which would change the dynamic of the story.

A half - vampire student. This character could have unique abilities like super speed and enhanced senses. They could be a bit of an outcast, but also have a mysterious allure and help Harry in unexpected ways, perhaps in dealing with the Dementors.

Seamus Finnigan could be a great focus. He's often seen as just a side character, but in fanfiction, he could have his own moment. Maybe he discovers a new spell related to the Triwizard Tournament tasks that no one else knows about. He could use this spell to either help Harry or get himself into trouble while trying to prove himself.

Definitely Firenze. He made an appearance in this book, but in fanfiction, he could be more involved. Since he has unique insights as a centaur, he could play a key role in helping Harry understand the prophecies or the true nature of the events related to Sirius. Also, consider Madam Pomfrey. She's often overlooked, but she could be a great source of knowledge about past students and events at Hogwarts that might be relevant to the situation with Sirius.

Neville Longbottom is often underrated. In a fanfiction, he could have a more central role within the castle. Maybe he discovers a hidden herb garden in the castle grounds that has magical plants with the power to heal any wound. Another could be Luna Lovegood. She could find a secret room in the castle filled with strange and wonderful magical creatures that only she can communicate with.

One underrated character for Harry Potter OotP fanfiction is Seamus Finnigan. He had his own doubts about Harry in the original story. You could expand on that. What if he had a change of heart in a more in - depth way? Maybe he discovers something that makes him fully trust Harry again. Also, Parvati Patil could be a focus. She could have her own side story about her Divination skills and how they might play a role in the bigger battle against the Dark Lord.

One interesting plot twist could be that in the AU, Neville Longbottom is the one secretly chosen for the Triwizard Tournament instead of Harry. It would completely change the dynamic as Neville has his own insecurities and strengths that would play out differently in the challenges.