Magic and the wizarding world setting are important too. Fanfictions might explore how Snape's potions skills or Lily's charm work were influenced by their relationship. And how Harry and Hermione interact with this magical legacy left by Snape and Lily.
There are fanfictions that explore the idea of a parallel universe where Snape and Lily got together. In this universe, Harry and Hermione could have different roles. Maybe Harry grows up in a more stable family environment with Snape as a father - like figure, and Hermione is there to study this unique family dynamic and how it affects the wizarding world.
In some fanfictions, Harry might be sent back in time due to a spell gone wrong and ends up meeting a younger Snape and Lily. He has to navigate this new situation while also trying to figure out how to get back to his own time. Along the way, he forms a connection with Snape that foreshadows their future relationship in the original timeline.
One interesting 'Harry Potter Snape Lily' fanfiction is 'The Lily and the Prince'. It delves deep into Snape's unrequited love for Lily. Another one could be 'Lily's Influence on Snape', which shows how Lily's presence shaped Snape's character throughout his life. There's also 'Snape's Memories of Lily', which focuses on Snape's most precious memories of her.
The aftermath of Snape's sacrifice is also important. How does the wizarding world react? Do they finally give Snape the recognition he deserves? Fanfictions might explore different scenarios. Some could show a world where Snape is immediately hailed as a hero, while others might show a more complex and slow - burning recognition process, which could involve Harry's efforts to make people understand Snape's true nature.
One possible theme is loyalty. Snape's loyalty to Lily was unwavering, and fanfictions can explore how that loyalty manifested in different situations, like when he had to choose between the Death Eaters and protecting Lily. Another theme could be regret, as Snape may have regretted some of his actions that affected his relationship with Lily.
There's a fanfiction where Hermione stumbles upon a secret spell book that was once Snape's. As she tries to decipher it, she starts to see Snape in a new light. She realizes that his knowledge of magic was far deeper than she ever imagined. This leads to her having a newfound respect for him.
One idea could be that in an alternate universe, Snape manages to save Lily and they both play a big role in Harry's upbringing along with Hermione. Maybe Snape uses his potions expertise and Lily's charm work to create a special protection spell for Harry that Hermione later helps to understand and strengthen. Another plot could be that Lily didn't die but was in hiding, and when Harry enters Hogwarts, Snape has to reconcile his feelings for Lily with his role as a teacher to Harry, while Hermione gets caught in the middle trying to figure out the truth behind their complex relationships.
Well, often these fanfictions explore alternative relationships. For Harry and Hermione, it might show a more romantic side that wasn't as prominent in the books. For Lily and Snape, it delves into their past and what could have been. They usually play with the emotions and backstories of the characters.
One key element is the family dynamic. Harry would grow up in a very different environment. Instead of being an orphan, he'd have his parents' love and guidance. For example, in many such fanfictions, James teaches Harry advanced Quidditch moves much earlier. Another element is the impact on the wizarding world. With James and Lily alive, they could have averted some of the dark events that occurred in the original story. Their combined magical power and influence could have swayed the balance of power.
Well, trust is a big part. They trust each other completely. In many fanfictions, Hermione trusts Harry with her deepest secrets and Harry trusts Hermione's intelligence to get them out of tricky situations. Also, there's the element of bickering in a friendly way. It's like siblings who might argue about small things but still love each other deeply. For example, they might bicker about which spell to use in a dangerous situation but in the end, work together seamlessly.