It’s 2023, the Harry Potter fandom is still growing strong, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
The combination of timeless themes, memorable characters, an imaginative world, and cultural impact has helped to ensure that Harry Potter remains a beloved and popular series today.
This means that Harry Potter fan fiction is also here to stay — which is great news for us.
Whether you want to live out your Harry Potter fantasies or connect with others interested in the Wizarding World, there’s a story out there for you.
And don’t worry — they’re not going anywhere.
Imagine: you binged all 8 Harry potter movies, and the obsession starts all over again
Now, you’re stumbling through your favorite fan fiction site until you come across exactly what you’re looking for.
And finally, you find the perfect story that suits all of your needs.
With excitement inside, you click on the title and plan to stay in bed until 2 am, bingeing the entire story.
Nothing can ruin your mood now.
But, lo and behold, you get just far enough into the story and find that it’s uncompleted or just straight-up abandoned. Sound familiar?
Let’s save you time. Here is a list of a variety of the best fan fiction you can find to feed your Harry Potter obsession (and fics 11 through 20 are all completed). Keep reading to find out what they are.
1. All the Young Dudes
The first Harry Potter fanfic that we will be looking at is without a doubt one of the most, if not the most popular on the internet.
With over 7 million hits, it is clear that fans of Harry Potter go crazy for this story.
It has over 525,000 words spread over 188 chapters.
There are nearly 25,000 comments and almost all of them are positive ones.
This story was completed in 2018, but it still holds its title as the most popular Harry Potter fanfic, even 4 years later.
This story focuses on the Marauders.
It takes place before Harry Potter was even born, and when his parents were just students themselves.
Each of the four Marauders plays an important role in this story, as does Lily, but the main focus is the relationship between James Potter and Sirius Black.
Though there are many stories out there that depict the lives of the Marauders, this one is unique in that it is written from Remus Lupin’s point of view.
This story has everything that you are looking for in a Harry Potter fanfic, including plenty of magic, encounters with Voldemort, and many sweet moments of love and friendship.
This story stays fairly true to the canon of the original series, making it a great companion to read after the original series.
Though the events of this story take place before the original series, it is important to have an understanding of the wizarding world and the way it works before reading this story.
The slow-burn romance of this story will leave you on the edge of your seat.
The author is a fantastic writer who knows these characters so well and is able to write for them as if they created them.
Do not miss out on this story; it is one you won’t soon forget.
2. Manacled
In this story, we get to see a unique perspective, Hermione Granger’s perspective.
Though Hermione is one of the main characters of the original series, we don’t often get to see what she is thinking or how she is feeling about certain events.
This story changes that.
This Harry Potter fanfic takes place in an alternate universe.
It diverges from the main canon of the story following the events of The Order of the Phoenix.
In this world, Voldemort wins the war and Harry Potter is dead.
If that sounds bleak and depressing, you are absolutely correct.
This is a dark story that depicts a world in which evil and hatred are the norm, and darkness surrounds just about everything in the wizarding world.
This alternate universe also includes a lot of adult content that we do not see in the original series.
There are scenes depicting war violence and torture, as well as rape and death.
Be sure to read the content warnings from the author before you dive into this story.
It is not a lighthearted story by any means, but it is still a well-written and engaging story.
With over 2 million hits, it is clear that Harry Potter fans still love this story and want to see what happens when evil dominates.
This story also heavily features a relationship between Hermione and Draco Malloy, which is always a lot of fun to read about.
If you are in need of a depressing story that takes us far away from the original series, this is definitely the one to choose.
3. Survival is a Talent
This story is another that takes us to an alternate universe in which things are very different from what we know them to be.
In this world, some people have a soul mate.
They are marked by a black ring somewhere on their body.
This ring changes when they touch their soul mate.
This Harry Potter fanfic tells the story of what happens when Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter find out that they are soul mates.
They do everything they can to hide it from their classmates, but it isn’t the easiest thing to hide.
This story has a lot of sweet moments not only between Harry and Draco but also between many of the other characters, too.
This story has over 1 million hits, and that number is still growing at a steady rate.
The author is continually updating this story with more Draco and Harry content.
Rest assured that there is plenty of romance to be had between these two.
If you’re looking for a romantic story that also features a large amount of magic and friendship, this is the one to choose.
You won’t want to miss this incredible and unique story.
4. The Debt of Time
Next up is another dark story that features a lot of adult content.
Within the 154 chapters of this story, there is a large amount of violence, abuse, sexual content, and explicit language.
The author includes content warnings with each chapter if you wish to skip over some of that content and still enjoy the story.
In this alternate universe, readers find out what could have happened if Sirius Black hadn’t died.
Well, they find out what would have happened if Hermione was able to bring Sirius back from the dead.
This one action changes the course of the war.
It alters the way Harry, Hermione, and many others live their lives.
It changes the entire outcome of the original series, but in a way that is unique and incredibly captivating to read.
The author has done an incredible job of replicating the writing style and voice of the original series.
It feels like you are really reading one of the novels in the series.
Alongside all of the darkness and depressing events of this story, there are also small moments of love and hope.
There are so many sweet friendships in this story that you won’t want to miss out on.
Without giving too much away, this story has a relatively happy ending given the depressing events of the story.
Don’t sleep on this story; it is one that is worth the investment.
5. The Darkening of Your Soul
In this mature Harry Potter fanfic, we see a very interesting relationship unfold.
Harry Potter and Tom Riddle are the focus of this story, and their dynamic is a very interesting one.
This story is a time travel story that puts Harry and Tom as Hogwarts students at the same time, rather than 50 years apart.
The only catch is that they both remember the events of the original story.
They have kept their memories from the alternate timeline, so they know about the war and everything that came along with it.
This is an interesting take on a time travel story, and the author does a great job of writing something that is unique, even though they are using a very common trope.
Because this is a mature story, there are some dark themes and scenes that occur throughout the story.
Trauma and abuse are very common, and there is also a bit of sexual content.
The author handles these sensitive topics with respect and maturity, however, so it does not become unreadable.
This is a well-written story that puts the reader into a new, yet familiar, world, and it is definitely worth taking a look at.
6. Lily’s Boy
Next up is another alternate universe story that highlights how much was kept hidden from young Harry Potter.
Harry takes a trip to Diagon Alley before his third year at Hogwarts begins, and while there he discovers many secrets that were not meant to be found out.
These secrets change the entire course of Harry’s life, as well as how he behaves and who he trusts.
Among the many secrets that Harry discovers is the knowledge that Dumbledore has been manipulating him and blocking his magic.
With this new knowledge, Harry sets out to change the wizarding world.
He receives help from many people, and in many unexpected ways.
This story is such a unique and interesting premise, but it still feels like it belongs as part of the original series.
The author’s writing style is very true to the original series, and they write the characters in a way that is believable and authentic.
The character’s voices are very accurate to what we know about them, but the author still adds some interesting flair to each of them.
If you are looking for a story that involves broken trust, unexpected friendship, and plenty of magic, this is the one for you.
7. Evitative
In this Harry Potter fanfic, the alternate universe that we enter is unlike any others that we have read about so far.
Just before Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts, he is accidentally expelled, and he must be re-sorted into a Hogwarts house.
Of course, everyone assumes that he will be sorted back into Gryffindor, but the events of that summer may determine otherwise.
Harry spends a huge amount of time reading and learning, and the things he learns about indicate that he may need to be sorted into a different house.
Throughout this story, we get to see interactions with just about every character from the original series that we know and love.
Eventually, there is a sweet romance between Harry and someone rather unexpected, but this is one of the few Harry Potter fanfic stories that does not get explicit.
There are some dark moments in this story, and there is a lot of dark magic, but it is overall a very happy and fun read.
The author’s writing style is easy to read, and they make it very easy to enjoy this unique story.
8. Harry Potter and the Greatest Show
Next on our journey through Harry Potter fanfic is a story that is a bit unorganized and disjointed, but that is part of what makes it so appealing.
With over 750,000 hits, this story is clearly popular among readers and fans of Harry Potter.
This story has elements of time travel, but it is essentially an alternate universe that sends Harry back to the cupboard under the stairs after he is killed by Voldemort.
He gets a second chance at life, and a second chance to defeat Voldemort.
If you think this sounds like an intriguing premise, you are not alone.
The thousands of comments on this story are all raving about the author’s creativity and their writing abilities.
The characters in this story are fun and different from what we see in the original series, but they are still believable.
Though the plot may seem a bit unrealistic or chaotic, that is part of what makes the story so excellent.
Don’t miss out on this one.
It is a story that you won’t soon forget.
9. The Right Thing To Do
This explicit story features the relationship of an unexpected, yet quite popular, pairing.
That is the relationship between Hermione and Draco.
This story plays with many of the popular romance tropes that we see commonly in fanfiction including a slow burn and an enemies to lovers story.
There are a lot of secret and hidden feelings in this story, and we get to see how it all plays out from Hermione’s point of view.
Though many other characters make appearances in this story, the main focus is on Hermione and her unrequited love for Draco.
The author has given us a really well-written and engaging story that you won’t want to put down.
Luckily, there are nearly 175,000 words in this story, so it is one that will require a bit of investment and commitment.
It is well worth the commitment, however, especially if you love a good romance.
Alongside the romance and secret feelings, there is still plenty of magic and humor.
It has everything that you would expect from a Harry Potter fanfic.
10. Let’s Try Again
The final Harry Potter fanfic on our list today is perhaps one of the best.
It is definitely one of the most entertaining and fun-to-read stories.
With over 700,000 hits, it is clear that Harry Potter fans adore this story and the author.
In this explicit story, we get a look at what happened after the war was over.
In the original series, we don’t get to see any of the aftermaths of the war or how it affects each character.
This story is written from Harry’s perspective, so it fits along nicely with the original series.
The author of this story has a great ability to write in a very similar style to the original series.
It has a very similar vibe that just feels like a continuation of the story we know and love.
There is a bit of time travel involved in this story, and we get to see Harry interact with many characters who previously died.
Some of these characters include James Potter and Sirius Black.
It is a lot of fun to read how these characters relate to and interact with each other.
There is a bit of adult content in this story, so be aware of that before you start reading.
Nevertheless, this is overall a delightful story that features a plot line that we don’t often get to see.
Don’t miss out on this captivating and unique story.
11. Blade Over My Head
After Harry defeats Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts, he overhears a life-threatening conversation between Ron and Ginny causing him to flee the Wizarding World for his safety.
In this story, we follow Harry throughout his travels across the world, where he discovers himself, meets many partners, and hopefully finds his real, true love.
And as an added bonus for all of you My Chemical Romance fans out there, this fic is heavily based on their song, Teenagers.
Each chapter begins with an overhead of Harry’s newest location.
Depending on the chapter, you could be following Harry to Paris or even Seattle.
It’s an interesting take on the post-Wizarding World for Harry and how he might have ended up if he had to discover adulthood without the help of his closest mates.
This story was completed in 2019 with 36 chapters and over 29,000 words.
It’s garnered over 65,000 hits, over 300 comments, and over 3,000 likes.
So if you want an expansion of the Harry Potter world for your next headcanon, with a bit of self-insert romance with Harry, then this is the perfect story for you.
12. The Last Black
Four years after the Wizarding War, Arianna Vitelli is the illegitimate daughter of Sirius Black and returns home from a three-year exile.
She must work closely with and alongside Draco Malfoy to take down the man who’s haunted her practically her entire life.
Meanwhile, she finds friendship and comfort in Harry as he accompanies her on her journey of self-discovery, soon leading to more than a friendship.
The plot twist?
The original character’s romance is with both Harry and Draco.
This story was completed in 2022 with 47 chapters and almost 220,000 words.
It’s garnered over 12,000 hits, about 330 comments, and almost 360 likes.
If you are a Harry and/or a Draco lover, this story is for you, especially if you enjoy drama.
If you can’t decide who your favorite is, there’s no need to do so here.
The author does a great job describing events and actions, building the original characters, and the escalating tension and potential romance between Harry, Draco, and the O/C.
It’s a wild and chaotic ride while still being well-written and enjoyable.
13. Leo Inter Serpentes: First Year
This is another one of those “what would have happened if Harry was sorted into Slytherin?” stories.
But don’t click out of this page just yet.
In this version, Harry finds common ground and a friendship with Draco — while still forming friends with others outside his house, to his new Slytherin friend’s dismay.
This story is part of a larger series that follows Harry from his first to his seventh year, where he encounters the typical Hogwarts battles, cliques, and more.
This story has 11 chapters with over 50,000 words, 450,000 hits, and 16,000 likes.
And that’s not even accounting for the other six parts of this series that each follow the entire Harry Potter franchise from beginning to end.
It’s definitely an enjoyable read that you can always get excited to continue until the end.
14. The Depth of Deception
With the imaginary and expansive world of Harry Potter comes imaginary and expansive fanfics.
It can be hard to find a classic cannon character/OC story today with the over-saturation of fanfics out there.
Luckily, this story will take you back to why you originally fell in love with fanfiction: drama and romance between you and your favorite fictional character.
The Depth of Deception is a classic Harry Potter/Original Character story, where the main character is the sister of Draco Malfoy.
And she makes a deal with Lord Voldemort that will bring an end to The Boy Who Lived.
This story was completed in 2021 with 31 chapters and over 23,000 words — meaning it’s in the perfect condition and length for you to read at 2 am before bed.
Any Danielle Radcliffe/Harry potter obsessed fans will enjoy this emotional rollercoaster of a story that covers friendship, love, and betrayal.
15. Death Never Stopped Me Before
This story is one that definitely pushes the creative boundaries when it comes to the world of Harry Potter.
Voldemort defeats Harry in the war but immediately regrets it.
His new goal is to bring Harry back from the dead and reconcile their relationship before he runs out of time.
We travel through different time periods and follow Tom Riddle through his grief, memories, and his quest to get back the love of his life — and then convince him to stay.
The story in execution is more heartwrenching and enticing than the typical Harry/Tom Riddle | Voldemort romance.
This story has 15 chapters, 90,000 words, and was completed in 2021.
It has gained over 151,000 hits and 4,800 likes.
And it’s one of the few Tomarry stories out there that is constantly reviewed as well-written and enticing.
16. Choose Me Instead
Calling all Draco Malfoy stans!
This Draco/Original Character story is perfect for reading while taking breaks from watching Tom Felton play guitar on TikTok (if you’re even able to find the strength to break away from that).
This fic is also the perfect read for Harry Potter fans who love fake relationship premises.
Nothing too complicated or complex, but still chockfull of romance and drama.
Draco and the main character fake a relationship for a year to benefit both of their unfortunate situations.
Their fake relationship develops into real feelings, which neither of them confesses to.
Eventually, the lies that they’ve been keeping from their family and friends inevitably blow up in their faces.
This is definitely a fun read late at night that will give you all of the feels.
There are 27 completed chapters and over 95,000 words to enjoy.
The story has gained over 41,000 hits and 1,700 likes, which is understandable.
Who doesn’t love a classic will-they-won’t-they and fake relationship that turns into more?
17. Running and Hiding
Let’s be honest: Harry and Hermione had undeniable chemistry since the beginning (please put down the pitchforks, Romione stans).
If you agree, then this next story is for you.
In this fanfic, Hermione moves away from Britain after the war is over.
Unexpectedly, an engaged Harry eventually finds her, and they begin to reconnect.
Soon enough, their lost friendship slowly turns into a newly found romance.
With Harry’s relationship with Ginny and Hermione’s longing to leave the past behind her, you begin to get sucked into the story of how these former best friends end up falling in love with one another — despite the obstacles.
This story was completed in 2020 with 30 chapters and almost 80,000 words.
It currently has over 63,000 hits, about 450 comments, and over 2,400 likes.
The way the author describes the already existing characters and their actions make them believable and easy to enjoy — it’s written so well it feels like you are actually following the real Harry and Hermione post-war.
You want to see the pair’s relationship develop, despite their already-established friendship or prior engagements which may explain this story’s popularity and constant praise.
18. A New Kind of Normal
I’m sure if any of us got a letter in the mail from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, we would jump at the opportunity to board the 9 ¾ train without question.
However, in this fanfic, Harry does the exact opposite.
The Harry Potter in this story actually has no desire to become a wizard at all.
To him, potions, magic, and wands are not as important as living a normal life, going to school, and becoming a doctor.
No one can blame him for his completely normal and ambitious dream.
But let’s be honest, wizarding beats doctoring any day.
Professor McGonagall makes it her mission to make a wizard out of Harry, even if it means he becomes just an average, normal wizard.
This story is a fresh take on Harry’s perspective of the Wizarding World.
Instead of wanting nothing but to save Hogwarts and become a good wizard, he just wants to be normal.
This fanfic takes place during Harry’s first year — so where the story lacks romance, it is sufficient in originality and creativity.
It takes the Harry Potter world that we know and twists the facts for a new and fresh take.
This must be why the story has over 4,600 likes, 81,000 hits, and a total of 21 chapters and 59,000 words to read.
19. Fixing Past Mistakes
Our next story on this list takes an interesting view that puts our main hero in the background — and it works out beautifully.
The premise of this story revolves around the idea of Harry Potter never arriving at Hogwarts at all (kind of a scary thought).
Who’s job is it to save the Wizarding World now?
You get to spend a lot of time with Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, and Minerva McGonagall throughout this story, through their good and wrongdoings that benefit their own agendas.
This fanfic takes complete creative control over its plot, you never know exactly where the author is taking it.
With 51 chapters, over 216,000 words, 4,194 likes, and 800 comments, this story is sure to be an enjoyable one.
20. To Trust
Harry grew up in a less-than-favorable family situation.
And this fanfic is more of an image of what Harry’s life would have been like if Albus Dumbledore had sent Harry to live with Severus Snape instead of his aunt and uncle.
The author explores the relationship between Harry and Severus differently, as they now have a more parent-child dynamic, and how they learn and grow together as not only friends but also family.
There are 60 completed chapters, 368,000 hits, and almost 10,000 likes.
With such an interesting and heartwarming premise and execution, we can see how this fic gained its well-deserved popularity.
It is well worth the read.
Harry Potter Fanfiction: Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you find some great Harry Potter fanfics to read!
These 10 are just a small sample of all the amazing stories out there.
So be sure to take a look and find your own favorite among them.
And if you have questions about this topic, feel free to leave a message in the comments below!
Lastly, if you want to read more about fanfiction on this blog, then check out:
