Rowena Ravenclaw is popular too. Fanfic writers might focus on her intelligence and wisdom. They could create stories where she uses her vast knowledge to solve ancient magical mysteries or to help other wizards, and these stories often attract readers who are interested in the more cerebral aspects of the Harry Potter world.
Godric Gryffindor is often very popular. He represents bravery, and in fanfiction, he can be the hero in many pre - Hogwarts stories. Writers like to explore his youth and how he came to be the great wizard he was in the original lore.
Salazar Slytherin is also a favorite. His mysterious nature and the fact that he was the founder of Slytherin house, which has both good and bad associations in the series, make him a great character to explore. Fanfiction might show his reasons for his more controversial views in a new light.
Helga Hufflepuff is often quite popular. She represents kindness and loyalty, and in fanfiction, she might be portrayed as the one who keeps the founders together during their disagreements. Her character can be explored more deeply, like her backstory and how she came to value hard work and fairness so much.
Sometimes, the magical creatures that were around during the Founders' time can be popular characters in these fanfictions. For example, a phoenix that was a companion to one of the Founders and played a significant role in a particular event. They bring a touch of magic and mystery to the story and can be really engaging for readers.
I think in addition to the founders, characters like the first students they admitted can be quite popular. For example, if there was a particularly talented or mysterious first - year student in the fanfiction. Also, any descendants of the founders that might be introduced in the story could draw a lot of attention. They often carry on the legacies and sometimes the secrets of their ancestor founders.
The four founders themselves are usually very popular. Godric Gryffindor is often a favorite, as his trait of bravery is something many readers admire. His adventures and decisions in the fanfiction can be really exciting to follow.
Salazar Slytherin is often a very popular character. His mysterious nature and the fact that his ideas about pure - blood wizards add an element of intrigue. Fanfic authors like to explore his backstory and what might have led him to have such views.
Obviously, the founders themselves. Salazar Slytherin would be fascinating as he could show a different side of his personality, not just the one associated with the dark wizards who came from his house. Godric Gryffindor would be full of bravado and heroic deeds, inspiring everyone around him.
It could be Harry Potter himself. Since he has so many special qualities and a deep connection to Hogwarts, he might be revealed as an heir. Maybe he has some latent powers related to one of the founders that haven't been discovered yet.
Without more context, it's impossible to say who exactly these founders are. They could be founders of a small online Harry Potter fan community, or perhaps founders of a local Harry Potter reading group that also dabbles in fanfiction.
Helga Hufflepuff is also quite popular. She is often portrayed as the warm - hearted and nurturing founder. In time travel fanfics, she can be a source of comfort and wisdom for the time - traveling characters, and her unique brand of magic might be explored more deeply.
The heir of the founders in fanfiction could also be a character who is fated to bring back the original values of Hogwarts. Maybe in a story where the school has strayed from its roots, this heir emerges with the power to restore the balance between the four houses and the overall spirit of the school as it was intended by the founders.