Biblio File

17 Things We Wish Had Happened in Harry Potter

​No literary character in recent memory has captured readers’ imaginations quite like Harry Potter.

And, in the age of the Internet, that means that everyone’s favorite boy wizard sparked millions of new stories online... stories that J.K. Rowling never put in her books, but that came from passionate fans all over the world.

Fan fiction gives readers a way to dream up new narratives, imagine different pasts and futures, and put their favorite characters into alternative universes—while still honoring the original text and author. It’s a show of enthusiasm for books; it’s an exercise in creativity; it’s an expression of love, really. (And it often veers into very adult territory... we're keeping it G-rated here.)

So, in honor of the 17th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter, we present 17 fun, fantastical moments from Harry Potter fanfic.

Note: Millions of Harry Potter fics exist on the Internet; this list pulls from only two prominent sites, Archive of Our Own and Fanfiction.net, and one author who goes by "The Phantom Librarian." All content belongs to the writers. And we're linking to stories outside the Library’s own content, so read at your own risk!

  1. Harry Potter has a secret twin brother.
  2. via GIPHY

  3. A non-magical kid (like us) gets to go to Hogwarts.
  4. via GIPHY

  5. We feel empathetic toward Severus Snape.
  6. via GIPHY

  7. Cho Chang comes into her own.
  8. via GIPHY

  9. We get to hang out in the Hogwarts library (!!).
  10. via GIPHY

  11. Prof. McGonagall finally gets a vacation.
  12. via GIPHY

  13. We get to know each character’s final words.
  14. via GIPHY

  15. Harry gets sorted into Slytherin instead of Griffindor.
  16. via GIPHY

  17. We get to see Harry’s job application when he wants to become an auror.
  18. via GIPHY

  19. Two generations of Weasley women talk about having a family.
  20. via GIPHY

  21. Harry refuses to go back to Privet Drive for the summer.
  22. via GIPHY

  23. We learn the details of Dumbledore's most important duel.
  24. via GIPHY

  25. Sirius and Tonks waltz.
  26. via GIPHY

  27. Teddy Lupin stays over at his Uncle Harry's house and reads Percy Jackson.
  28. via GIPHY

  29. Harry meets Anakin Skywalker.
  30. via GIPHY

  31. Sherlock goes to Hogwarts.
  32. via GIPHY

  33. And, finally, Dobby the house elf raises baby Draco Malfoy.
  34. via GIPHY

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your picks, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend.

And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for 100 new recommendations every month!

Comments

Patron-generated content represents the views and interpretations of the patron, not necessarily those of The New York Public Library. For more information see NYPL's Website Terms and Conditions.

I wanted Dudley's child to be

I wanted Dudley's child to be a wizard. Dudley is Lily Potter's nephew and magic runs families.

yes!

Great idea!