The antagonists in this fanfiction could be interesting too. If there is a group that opposes the founders' return, maybe because they fear a change in the power structure at Hogwarts. Their motives and actions could add a lot of depth to the story.
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.
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.
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.
Obviously, the four founders - Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin would be main characters as they are the ones returning.
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.
Neville Longbottom is another possible heir. He has a strong connection to Gryffindor through his family's long - standing association with the house. His growth from a shy and clumsy boy to a brave and powerful wizard could be part of a story where he is the heir of the founders. His ability to stand up to the Death Eaters in the final battle shows his hidden strength, which could be related to the founders' magic.
One possible plot could be that the founders return during a time of great crisis at Hogwarts. Maybe a new dark force is emerging and their magic and wisdom are needed to combat it. They could help modernize some of the old Hogwarts traditions while also teaching the students the purest form of magic that was once known in their era.
Often, the main characters would be the heirs themselves. There could be a character who is the heir of Gryffindor, perhaps a young student who has always shown great courage and a sense of justice. Another main character might be the heir of Slytherin, who at first seems a bit of an outcast because of the negative reputation of Slytherin but turns out to have a complex and important role.