One could imagine a scenario where Harry is sent back in time and some unforeseen circumstances lead him to accidentally cause the death of his parents. But this would require a lot of complex world - building and a re - imagining of the magic rules in the Harry Potter universe. It would also be very controversial among fans as it's so contrary to the core story.
This is a very dark and unorthodox concept. In a possible plot, perhaps an evil force could be manipulating Harry's mind, making him believe his parents are a threat to the wizarding world. But this goes completely against the essence of the original story where Harry loves and respects his parents.
Definitely not. The story of Harry Potter has a certain moral framework. His parents' love and sacrifice are what shape Harry's character and his journey. A fanfiction with such a concept distorts that and can be seen as disrespectful to the original work and its fans.
The plot would change drastically. Harry would not be living with the Dursleys, so there would be no need for him to escape that horrible situation. Voldemort might have a harder time targeting him as his parents would be on high alert. There would be no letter - hunting drama. Also, his relationship with Snape would be different as his father was Snape's rival. His parents could have taught him some advanced magic from a young age, which would make him stand out at Hogwarts in a different way than in the original story.
Perhaps in the fanfiction, Harry's parents are actually trapped in a sort of limbo. They manage to break free and come to Harry's aid just when he is at his lowest point. They might have gained special powers in the limbo which they use to save Harry. For instance, they could be able to freeze time momentarily and remove Harry from a dangerous situation. Then, they start to train Harry in magic that is not taught at Hogwarts, magic that was passed down through their family but was lost when they died.
The plot would change a great deal. For one, Harry wouldn't have to live with the Dursleys. He would grow up in a loving magical household. He'd be more confident and perhaps less of an underdog. His parents would be able to train him in magic from a young age, so he might be more advanced in his studies when he gets to Hogwarts. Also, the fight against Voldemort would be a family affair, with James and Lily Potter being key players in the battle against the Dark Lord.
Yes, it can be a somewhat common plot device. Fanfiction writers often use it to explore new aspects of Harry's character and his family history. It allows them to introduce new elements like hidden inheritances or family legacies.
In a fanfiction where Harry Potter reads his parents' will, it could lead to him uncovering secrets about his family. Maybe he'd find out about hidden magical items or undisclosed family alliances. This could change his perspective on his parents and his place in the wizarding world.
One possible plot could be that Harry grows up in a loving and magical home. He gets to learn magic from his parents at a very early age. His father, James, might teach him Quidditch skills right in their backyard. His mother, Lily, could pass on her knowledge of potions and herbology. They would also protect him from the dark forces that are still out there, perhaps leading to some epic battles where the family stands united against the remnants of Voldemort's followers.
Well, perhaps the fanfiction could start with Harry finding a way to bring his parents back temporarily. Then he begins to teach them about the modern wizarding world. He could teach them about magical creatures they never got to see, like hippogriffs. He'd also teach them about the political situation at Hogwarts and in the wizarding community, which has changed a great deal since their time. It would be a story full of discovery for his parents and a chance for Harry to have a proper family experience.
Maybe in the fanfiction, Harry discovers a magical artifact that has the power to bring back the dead for a short time. When he activates it, his parents appear. They are a bit disoriented at first. His father, James, is amazed at how much Harry has grown and is like him in many ways. Lily, his mother, is just so happy to hold him. They talk about the wizarding world as it is now compared to when they were alive. Harry also shares his experiences at Hogwarts and how he defeated Voldemort, and his parents are filled with pride for their son.
In a fanfiction about Harry Potter and his parents, a great plot could be that Harry discovers a hidden diary of his mother. Through reading it, he gets to know her deepest thoughts, her fears, and her hopes. He also learns about the early days of the Order of the Phoenix through her eyes. This discovery could change his perspective on his own life and his place in the wizarding world. He might then be inspired to follow in his parents' footsteps more closely, perhaps by joining an organization that his parents were once part of.