One interesting plot could be Snape seeing Lily and James during a Hogwarts event. Maybe it's a Quidditch match and he watches their interactions. He could be filled with a mix of jealousy and longing as he sees James showing off to Lily. Another plot might involve Snape seeing them in a more private moment in the library. He overhears their conversation about their future plans and it makes him realize how much he has lost. There could also be a plot where Snape has a vision of them through a magical object and it haunts him, making him question his own actions and decisions in relation to Lily.
A possible plot is that Snape sees Lily and James just after they've become parents. He sees the joy on their faces as they hold baby Harry. This sight could stir up a complex mix of emotions in Snape. On one hand, he might feel a deep sense of envy for James having the life with Lily that he always wanted. On the other hand, he might also feel a strange sort of protectiveness towards Harry because of his love for Lily. It could also lead to a series of events where Snape has to confront his own feelings about the family he could never have with Lily.
In some versions, James might use his Quidditch skills to create a distraction while rescuing Lily from a dangerous situation Snape unknowingly led her into. For example, he could fly in on his broomstick and snatch her away just as a spell was about to hit her.
Well, it's a really heart - breaking moment for Snape. He loved Lily deeply, and seeing her with James, who he had a rivalry with, must have been like a dagger to his heart. His love for Lily was complex and seeing this would have filled him with a mix of jealousy, rage, and deep sadness.
In some fanfictions, Lily confronts Snape when she realizes he has feelings for her that are deeper than just friendship. She might be uncomfortable with this discovery as she sees him more as a friend. So she confronts him to set boundaries. Snape, on the other hand, is heartbroken and this confrontation could change the whole dynamic of their relationship in the fan - created story.
One possible plot could be that Voldemort's curse backfires in a different way. Instead of killing them, it transports Lily and James to a parallel magical dimension. In this dimension, they are able to secretly raise Harry while still being alive. They could then use their knowledge of the future to train Harry more effectively and build a stronger resistance against Voldemort. Another plot might involve a powerful magical object that they discover which has the power to protect them from death spells. They could then use this object to not only save themselves but also to help the wizarding world in the fight against the Dark Lord.
Love and jealousy are very common themes. Snape's unrequited love for Lily while she is with James creates a lot of jealousy. It often drives the plot as Snape's actions are influenced by his feelings.
Unrequited love is a very common theme. Snape's love for Lily that was never fully reciprocated is often explored in depth. It adds a lot of emotional depth to the stories.
Guilt and redemption can be a theme too. Snape's actions were often driven by his love for Lily and his guilt over her death. Fanfictions may expand on this, showing how he tries to make up for it in different ways. Also, the theme of loyalty - Snape's loyalty to Lily even after her death is a powerful concept that fanfictions often explore, sometimes by creating scenarios where Lily somehow comes back or is still present in a way that tests Snape's loyalty.
It can be considered common in the realm of Harry Potter fanfiction. Snape's love for Lily was so profound that imagining him saving her and James, despite their differences, is a fascinating plot point. Many fans are drawn to exploring the untapped potential of this scenario in their own creative works.
One interesting plot could be that they travel back to the time of the Marauders. James and Lily could meet their parents when they were young and see how different Hogwarts was back then. They might get involved in some of the Marauders' pranks and also learn some secrets about their family's past that were long forgotten.
It can intensify the conflict. Snape's jealousy can lead to more confrontations between him and James, which might draw in their respective friends and create more chaos at Hogwarts.