One trope that is often seen is the 'secret identity' trope. Maddie Potter could be hiding a big secret. Maybe she has a special power that she doesn't want James and Lily to know about at first. As the story progresses, this secret is slowly revealed and it has a major impact on their relationships. Additionally, the 'redemption' trope can be used. For example, if Maddie has made some mistakes in the past, her relationship with James and Lily helps her to redeem herself and become a better person.
The 'time - travel' trope is also quite common. As I mentioned before, Maddie Potter could be from the future. This allows for all kinds of interesting plot twists. For example, she might accidentally change the future by interfering in the relationship between James and Lily. Or she could be there to make sure that certain events happen exactly as they should to ensure a positive future for the wizarding world. There's also the 'mentor - mentee' trope. Maybe Lily Evans mentors Maddie Potter in magic, while James Potter teaches her about the more adventurous side of life at Hogwarts.
The 'love triangle' trope can be popular. Maybe Maddie Potter has a crush on James Potter, but James is in love with Lily Evans. This creates a lot of drama and tension. Another trope could be the 'found family'. Maddie, who may be an orphan or an outsider, finds a family in James and Lily. They take her under their wing and protect her, and she in turn helps them in their adventures.
One great fanfiction could be where Maddie Potter is a new character in the world of James and Lily. It might explore how Maddie's presence affects the relationship between James and Lily, perhaps she's a long - lost relative. There could be adventures where they all team up to fight against the dark forces in Hogwarts.
One popular theme is their courtship at Hogwarts. It often includes James trying to impress Lily with his Quidditch skills or his academic achievements. Another theme is their friendship with the Marauders and how that affected their relationship. For instance, Sirius and Remus might play matchmaker for them.
The popularity of Lily Evans and James Potter fanfiction lies in the fact that their relationship is full of potential for exploration. We know they are Harry's parents, but there are so many gaps in their story. Fanfiction allows fans to fill those gaps, like how they really fell in love or what their lives were like at Hogwarts before Harry was born.
One great fanfiction on this theme is 'The Marauders' Era: Lily's Perspective'. It delves deep into how Lily might have gradually fallen for James. It shows their interactions in Hogwarts in a very detailed and engaging way.
Well, 'The Red and the Gold' is a must - read. It beautifully captures the essence of James and Lily's relationship. It has detailed descriptions of their interactions, from their study sessions in the library to their adventures on the Hogwarts grounds. 'James and Lily: Destiny' is also excellent. This fanfiction takes a more magical approach, exploring how fate seems to draw them together. Then there's 'The Love of Potter and Evans' which gives a fresh take on their relationship, showing their insecurities and how they overcame them together.
Often, it's James' ability to show his vulnerability. When he lets Lily see the real him, not just the popular, confident boy, she starts to fall for him. For example, in some fanfictions, he might open up about his family or his fears, and that connection makes Lily's feelings change. Fanfictions also play on their shared experiences at Hogwarts, like fighting against the dark arts threats together, which brings them closer.
One common theme is growth. You see James Potter grow from a bit of a troublemaker to a more responsible person because of his love for Lily. Lily also grows in her understanding of James. Additionally, the theme of family is important. Their future family, especially with Harry, is sometimes hinted at in the fanfictions. The war against the dark forces is also a theme that often comes up, as it affects their relationship and their lives.
One common theme is their relationship development. It often starts from their initial dislike or indifference to each other, like in the books, and then gradually grows into love. For example, in many fanfictions, James has to work hard to change Lily's perception of him from a bully to a worthy partner.
The theme of growth is often present. Both James and Lily grow as individuals and as a couple in many fanfictions. They learn from their experiences, become more empathetic, and this growth is what cements their relationship in these stories.
In many fanfictions about them, the theme of sacrifice is present. Given the dangerous wizarding world they live in, they might have to sacrifice personal desires or safety for each other. Also, the theme of family is important. Since they end up having a family together, stories often explore how their relationship sets the foundation for the Potter family, and how their love influences their future children, like Harry.