Forbidden love can be a major driving force in the plot. It often creates conflict. For example, if two characters from rival houses, like Gryffindor and Slytherin, fall in love, it can cause problems within their friend groups. Their friends might try to keep them apart, leading to drama and tension.
It can also lead to character development. A character involved in a forbidden love may have to make difficult choices. They might have to choose between their love and their loyalty to a group or cause. This internal struggle can change the character's personality and values over time. For instance, they could become more rebellious against the norms that are keeping them apart.
Another type of forbidden love in fanfiction could be a relationship that goes against time, like a character falling in love with someone from a different era in the wizarding history. This can lead to interesting plotlines where they have to navigate the differences in magic use, social norms, and historical events of their respective times.
The 'darkness' can make the plot more complex. It might introduce new challenges for the characters that they have to overcome. For example, if there are new dark spells or dark creatures in the fanfiction, the characters need to find ways to deal with them.
It can create immediate conflict. If a young wizard performs magic accidentally, the Trace can bring the Ministry's attention, like in some fanfics where a minor character's small magic act sets off a chain of events because the Ministry gets involved.
Rituals can also be a way to explore different magical cultures in fanfiction. For example, if a ritual from an ancient wizarding tribe is introduced, it can bring in new lore and magic. This can expand the world - building of the Harry Potter universe in the fanfiction. If the main character has to learn and perform this ritual to save the day, it not only affects the immediate plot but also enriches the overall story by adding depth to the magical world and its history. It can also lead to the discovery of long - lost magical artifacts or secrets that were tied to that ritual, which can further drive the plot forward.
The protective brother can change the plot significantly. For instance, if he's highly skilled in magic, he can prevent Harry from getting into some of the dangerous situations he faces in the original series. He might be able to stop Harry from entering the Triwizard Tournament by interfering with the Goblet of Fire's magic. This would then change the entire course of that year at Hogwarts and Harry's relationship with Cedric Diggory and others.
One reason is copyright infringement. If the fanfiction uses too much of the original Harry Potter material without permission, it can be considered forbidden. Another reason could be that it contains disturbing or immoral content that doesn't align with the family - friendly nature of the original series.
It can change the whole dynamic. For example, if a character gets access to divine energy, they might be able to easily defeat enemies that were previously unbeatable. This could lead to a quicker resolution of conflicts or create new ones as other characters might be jealous or afraid of this new power.
It can completely change the direction of the story. If a major character burns their bridges with Hogwarts, for example, they might go off on their own adventure, and the fanfiction could then focus on their journey outside the familiar school setting.
The 'misery crossover' often changes the relationships between characters. A character with a tragic past may be more guarded and less likely to trust the friendly and open - hearted characters in the Harry Potter series. This mistrust can lead to a lot of drama and new storylines. Also, their different values due to their past miseries can drive the plot in unexpected directions. For example, a character from a world where survival is the only goal may see the use of magic for fun or minor tasks as a waste, and this could cause arguments and division among the characters.
They can change the whole story. For instance, if a time meddler stops the death of Lily Potter, it could mean Harry has a very different upbringing and Voldemort's power might not be as strong.