In such fanfiction, their friendship could change the dynamics of the entire Hogwarts experience. They might team up for adventures or help each other grow in unexpected ways.
One characteristic is the exploration of character growth. Both Harry and Draco have to overcome their pre - existing prejudices. For example, Harry has to see past Draco's pure - blood supremacist family background, and Draco has to accept Harry as more than just 'the Boy Who Lived'.
Yes, there are quite a few. One popular one might be 'The Unlikely Bond' where they start to understand each other's struggles during a school project and gradually become friends. It has great character development and explores the wizarding world in a unique way.
A popular one is 'Draco's New Path'. In this fanfiction, Draco has a change of heart after the war. He starts to reach out to Harry, and through a series of events, they form an unlikely friendship. It's well - written, with good character development for both Harry and Draco.
In these fanfictions, Harry may develop a more diplomatic side to his personality. Since Draco is from Slytherin and has a different way of thinking, Harry has to learn to negotiate and find middle ground. For Draco, his friendship with Harry can make him more empathetic. He might start to care about the well - being of others outside of his Slytherin clique, like the Gryffindors and other Hogwarts students, which is a big change from his initial self - centered attitude.
One great example is 'The Unlikely Bond'. In this fanfiction, Draco and Harry are forced to work together on a project for Hogwarts. At first, they're full of mistrust and old grudges. But as they dig deeper into the task, they start to see each other in a new light. Another one is 'A New Beginning'. Here, after the war, they both realize that the wizarding world needs unity, so they decide to set aside their differences and become friends. It shows their journey of understanding and acceptance of each other.
Another possible storyline is that they become friends after an accident. Maybe during a Quidditch match, there's a terrible accident and they have to rely on each other to survive. This shared experience makes them see each other in a new light and they start to build a friendship. They then help each other deal with their respective family issues. Draco can give Harry insights into the pure - blood families' ways, and Harry can show Draco a different way of looking at the world, not just through the pure - blood ideology.
The relationship dynamics are also important. There's often a lot of banter and conflict at first, which slowly turns into mutual understanding and support. Their friendship can also affect the relationships they have with other characters, like how Hermione and Ron might react to Harry befriending Draco. It creates a complex web of relationships that adds depth to the fanfiction.
A great plotline is when they bond over their difficult family situations. Harry has his issues with the Dursleys and Draco has the pressure from his pure - blood supremacist family. They could find common ground in their struggles against the expectations placed on them. This might lead them to support each other in ways that surprise their classmates and teachers alike, like Draco standing up for Harry against Snape's unfair treatment, or Harry helping Draco break free from his family's dark influence.
Maybe a mutual friend, like Hermione, could set up a situation where they have to work together on a project. As they work side by side, they start to understand each other better. Harry might realize that Draco isn't all bad, and Draco could see Harry's kindness and courage in a new light.
One challenge is staying true to the original characters' personalities. Harry is known for his loyalty and sense of justice, while Draco has been a bit of a bully. It's hard to make their friendship seem believable without changing them too much. Another challenge is dealing with the existing fanbase's expectations. Some fans might be very set in their views of Harry and Draco as enemies. Also, creating a new and interesting plot that brings them together in a friendship way can be difficult.