Maybe it's a fanfiction where Voldemort doesn't try to kill Harry as a baby. This would lead to a completely different story. The wizarding world might not be in a state of fear and rebuilding. Harry could grow up knowing about Voldemort in a different context, not as the boy who lived but perhaps as a potential ally or a neutral figure. And Hogwarts might be a very different place without the shadow of Voldemort's return hanging over it.
A different beginning could also involve the sorting hat making a different decision. Instead of being sorted into Gryffindor, what if Harry was sorted into Slytherin? He would be surrounded by different classmates and values. He might have to deal with the stigma of being in Slytherin while still having his own sense of right and wrong. This could create a very interesting dynamic in the story as he tries to navigate the house politics and make friends among those with different ideals.
It could be a rewrite where Harry is raised by someone other than the Dursleys. For example, if he was raised by Sirius Black from the start, his whole outlook on magic and the wizarding world might be different. Sirius would have taught him about his family's noble history and perhaps some dark magic secrets earlier, which could change how Harry approaches challenges at Hogwarts.
If the beginning is changed, like if the Philosopher's Stone was never hidden at Hogwarts, then the whole first year's plot would be different. There would be no need for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to go on that adventure to stop Voldemort from getting it. This would mean different relationships would form as they wouldn't have had that shared experience.
In 'Harry Potter in a Different World Fanfiction', Harry might encounter new magical creatures. These could be creatures that are hybrids of the ones we know from the original series. He could also be part of a different magical society structure. Instead of Hogwarts being the main magical school, there could be a series of small magical academies scattered across the land, each with its own specialties.
It could be a story where the characters break the traditional Hogwarts norms. For example, instead of following the regular curriculum, students focus on a new form of magic that was previously ignored. This might change the relationships between different houses as they all work together towards this new magical discovery.
It could be from a far - off land. Maybe it was crafted by a reclusive wizard in a distant mountain range. This wizard might have used unique materials and spells to create it, and for some reason, the wand made its way into Harry's hands.
In a 'Harry Potter Twins A Different Life' fanfiction, the twins could have a different life path due to a time - travel incident. Imagine they accidentally travel back in time and meet their parents when they were young. This encounter could change their understanding of their family history. They might also influence the past in some small ways, which in turn alters their present. For instance, they could prevent a small accident that would have otherwise affected their family's financial situation, leading to a more prosperous Weasley family in their original time.
Well, he could end up with a wand that has a much darker origin. This could lead to other wizards being suspicious of him. His relationships with his friends might change too. Hermione might be more cautious around him, and Ron could be a bit more distant. Also, his dueling abilities would be completely different. He might struggle at first to adapt to the new wand's unique way of channeling magic, which could put him at a disadvantage in battles against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
In fanfiction, if Harry goes to a different school, he may discover new magical creatures. Hogwarts has its own set of creatures like hippogriffs and thestrals. But another school could have ones that are completely unknown to him. This would expand his knowledge of the magical world. Also, the architecture and layout of the new school would be different. It might be built in a more modern style or in a completely different location, like underwater or on a floating island. All these changes would make for an exciting and different story.
The main difference would likely be the addition of kaiju - related plotlines. In the original stories, it's all about the wizarding world's internal politics and the fight against the Dark Lord. But in this fanfiction, there could be kaiju emerging from the Forbidden Forest, or some kind of kaiju - magic connection. For instance, a kaiju might be powered by dark magic that Harry has to stop. Also, the characters' interests and knowledge would expand to include kaiju lore, which is completely different from the traditional Hogwarts curriculum.
One reason to start questioning Harry Potter fanfiction could be the divergence from the original lore. Some fanfictions might change key aspects of the wizarding world, like magic rules or character personalities. For example, if a fanfiction makes Harry a completely different person with no regard for his canon traits, it can be off - putting.
Well, in Harry Potter fanfiction, Diagon Alley is a staple. It's where you can find Ollivander's for wands, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes for all sorts of pranks. Then there's Knockturn Alley. It's the place that gives off an eerie vibe. Some fanfictions might also create their own alleys. For example, an alley that is hidden and only accessible by a secret spell. This alley could be home to a group of outcast wizards who practice a different kind of magic that is not accepted by the mainstream wizarding society.