One of the key elements in 'stepping back' Harry Potter fanfiction could be revisiting certain events from a different perspective. For example, looking at the first year at Hogwarts not from Harry's point of view but from Hermione's or Ron's. It might also involve exploring the backstories of minor characters that were not fully developed in the original series. Another aspect could be changing the sequence of events slightly to see how it alters the overall story arc. This type of fanfiction often allows for a deeper exploration of the rich world J.K. Rowling created.
It differs from canon mainly in perspective. In canon, we follow Harry's journey mostly. But in 'stepping back' fanfiction, we might see the story from a side character's view. For example, we could see the Triwizard Tournament through Cedric Diggory's eyes. Also, the timeline can be altered. Canon has a set sequence of events, but fanfiction can change when certain things happen. For instance, if the Chamber of Secrets was opened earlier.
Hermione could be the one. With her vast knowledge of the wizarding laws and her sharp intellect, she might dig up some old regulations that prove Harry's right to his money. She would then fight tooth and nail in the wizarding courts or against the goblins at Gringotts to get his money back.
Yes, it can be quite popular. Many fans are intrigued by the idea of Harry having the power to bring back the dead. It adds a whole new level of drama and exploration to the existing Harry Potter universe. It allows for different storylines such as reuniting with lost loved ones or changing the course of the wizarding world's history.
One possible fanfiction could be about Harry Potter accidentally stumbling upon a time - turning device in Hogwarts and ending up in the 1940s. There, he might meet the young versions of his professors, like Dumbledore, and get involved in the events that were shaping the wizarding world at that time, such as the rise of Grindelwald.
There could be a group of rogue witches and wizards who are against the current system in the wizarding world. They oppose the Ministry of Magic's rules and see Harry Potter as a symbol of the establishment they want to overthrow, so they become the antagonists.
Maybe Harry Potter discovers a new dark threat in the fanfiction and has to fight it using his magical skills and the support of his friends. He could be facing a powerful dark wizard who has found a way to break through Hogwarts' defenses.
In some fanfictions, magic might be used to bring them back. For example, a powerful time - turning spell could be involved, allowing them to be retrieved from the past before their deaths. Another way could be through some sort of deal with dark forces, although this would likely have many negative consequences.
One popular theme is time -turner related plots. Since the concept of time -turning exists in the original Potter universe, many 'Back again' fanfics play with the idea of characters going back in time to change things. Another theme is redemption. Maybe a character who made mistakes in the original story gets a second chance to make things right when they go back. Also, there are often themes of self - discovery as characters re - experience parts of their past and learn more about themselves.