What are some interesting plot ideas for 'harry potter fourth year au fanfiction'?

One idea could be that Harry discovers a new, hidden magical ability within himself that helps him in the final battle against Voldemort. For example, the ability to communicate with the spirits of Hogwarts founders for guidance. Another could be that the relationships between the characters take a different turn. Maybe Hermione and Ron have a huge fight early on and Hermione teams up with Draco for a while out of necessity, which changes the dynamics of the whole group. Also, Neville could have an even more prominent role, leading a secret group of students who are training in a new form of magic that they hope will give them an edge in the fight.

One idea could be exploring a different version of the Triwizard Tournament. For example, what if there were more magical creatures involved in the tasks? Another could be focusing on Harry's relationship with Sirius during that year in a more in - depth way, like Sirius secretly guiding Harry through some of the tournament challenges. Maybe also a plot where a new student arrives who has a connection to Voldemort's past that no one is aware of and they try to disrupt the tournament.

Well, a cool plot twist might be that in this 4th - year AU fanfic, the Triwizard Tournament tasks are all designed by a rogue Death Eater who has infiltrated Hogwarts' staff. So the tasks are not just tests of courage and skill but also traps to try and harm the students. Also, Harry might discover that his parents were actually part of a secret society within the wizarding world that was fighting against a different dark force, not just Voldemort, which changes his whole perspective on his family and his role in the wizarding world.

A plot idea could be that Neville is forced by some dark magic to betray Harry. Neville has always been a bit of an outcast and maybe some dark wizard finds a way to use his insecurities against him. He could leak some of Harry's plans regarding the Triwizard Tournament tasks, which would put Harry in great danger.

One idea could be that the houses are like different cliques in high school. For example, Gryffindor could be the brave and popular kids who stand up to bullies. Slytherin might be the ambitious group that is always vying for the top positions in school clubs. Another plot could involve a high - school version of the Triwizard Tournament, but with normal high - school sports and academic challenges instead of magical ones. And a third idea is that there's a mystery about a hidden room in the school that only certain students can find, and it has secrets related to the founders of Hogwarts.

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.

A great plot twist could be that the Dementors are being controlled by someone other than the Ministry. They start attacking students more frequently and specifically target Harry because they are being used to find something that Harry unknowingly has. This would make the already dangerous situation in the third year even more intense.

One idea could be exploring the Triwizard Tournament from the perspective of a new, original character. This character could be a transfer student who has a secret ability that helps Harry in some way during the tournament. Another plot could involve a mystery related to the Dark Arts that is intertwined with the events of the tournament, like a cursed object that is affecting the champions. Maybe a long - lost relative of one of the main characters shows up during year 4, causing chaos and confusion as they try to interfere with the events at Hogwarts.

One plot idea could be Harry struggling with his newfound alcohol problem while also dealing with the Triwizard Tournament. Maybe his drinking starts as a way to cope with the stress and danger, but it quickly gets out of control and affects his performance in the tasks. Another could be his friends trying to stage an intervention, which causes a rift between them as Harry doesn't want to admit he has a problem.

One interesting AU could be a world where the Triwizard Tournament is open to all years. This would change the dynamic completely as younger students might participate, bringing in different skills and strategies. Another could be an AU where Voldemort never came back in the fourth year, and instead, a new dark wizard rises to power in Hogwarts, creating a different kind of threat for Harry and his friends. A third concept could be an AU where the Hogwarts houses are mixed up for the fourth - year students, forcing them to work with those they usually wouldn't and leading to unexpected friendships and rivalries.