For the Malfoy family, a snake might be a suitable totem in fanfiction. Snakes are often associated with slyness and cunning, which are traits that the Malfoy family has been shown to possess in the original series.
One idea could be that the Potter family totem is a phoenix. It represents rebirth and magic, which are very much associated with the Potter family. Harry himself has a connection to the phoenix Fawkes.
One idea could be that Harry is placed with a family of magical creatures protectors. They teach him about the hidden magic in nature and the importance of protecting all magical beings. This could lead to Harry having a different view on magic compared to what he learned at Hogwarts.
One idea could be that Harry and Hermione get married and have a family in a world where Voldemort was defeated much earlier. Their children could inherit both their magical abilities and intelligence, and they might face new threats to the wizarding world that require their combined skills to overcome.
Perhaps the original family had a hidden treasure or a powerful magical artifact. In the fanfiction, Harry and his friends could go on a quest to find it. Along the way, they discover that the original family had ties to other magical creatures, like centaurs or merpeople, and these relationships are crucial in unlocking the location and power of the artifact.
Another plot could focus on how the family magic affects relationships. Maybe Harry uses family magic to strengthen his bond with his children in a way that normal magic can't. He could teach them unique family spells that help them understand their heritage better.
A more complex plot could be that the entire Family Guy cast gets transported to Hogwarts during a school year. Quagmire could be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, bringing his own unique brand of 'defense' which mostly involves flirting with the female students. Lois could get into trouble for trying to organize a Muggle - style PTA at Hogwarts, and Peter could end up on the Quidditch team as an accidental addition.
You could also write about the Potter family's influence on the wizarding world in the future. How do they shape Hogwarts or the Ministry of Magic? Maybe Harry's children are at the forefront of some new magical discovery, and the whole family is involved in promoting and protecting it.
One interesting idea in 'Harry Potter' fanfiction is the concept of alternate universes. For example, a fanfic might explore what would happen if Harry was sorted into Slytherin instead of Gryffindor. This could lead to a completely different set of relationships and storylines. Another idea could be time - travel fanfics where characters go back in time to change certain events in the wizarding world's history. It adds a whole new layer of complexity and intrigue to the original story.
One great idea could be stories that explore the further adventures of the characters after the end of the series. For example, how Harry, Hermione, and Ron continue to protect the wizarding world from new threats. It could also involve the next generation learning magic at Hogwarts and facing their own challenges in a way that stays true to the original values of the series.
You can start by researching different animals and their symbolic meanings. For example, if you want to create a new family in your fanfiction, you can choose an animal like a deer for its grace and swiftness. Then, you can have the family members inherit certain traits related to the deer, like being quick - thinking or having a gentle nature.
A great idea for a Harry Potter parody fanfiction could be to set the story in a different time period, like the 1920s. The characters would have to adapt to the different fashion and social norms while still being wizards. Another concept is to have the Marauders be total opposites of their original selves. Instead of being mischievous, they are super - serious and overly proper. And for a really funny take, you could write a fanfiction where the Quidditch matches are more like a circus act. The players are on brooms that do crazy stunts on their own, and the Snitch is a living, talking creature that taunts the seekers.