In some of these fanfics, one interesting plot could be Harry finding solace in an unexpected friendship with a local magical creature that the Dursleys were unaware of. This gives him a sense of purpose and connection outside of the neglect he faces at home.
Often, there are plots where Harry starts to develop his magical abilities in secret, far away from the prying eyes of the Dursleys. He might find an old, hidden magical book in the attic or cellar of the Dursley house that helps him learn spells and potions on his own, which is really exciting as he is taking control of his own magical growth despite the neglect.
One possible plot development could be that Harry discovers his magic earlier on his own due to the neglect. He might start exploring the wizarding world secretly, finding hidden magical artifacts in the neighborhood. Another could be that he forms an unexpected alliance with the local magical creatures that sense his isolation. Maybe he even starts teaching himself basic spells from an old, dusty spellbook he finds in the attic.
In many of these fanfics, there could be a new character introduced, like an old wizard who lives in the neighborhood secretly and notices Harry's situation. This character might play a crucial role in helping Harry deal with the Dursleys and his growing magical powers. He could be a mentor figure for Harry, guiding him through the tough times.
Harry would likely feel a great deal of sadness. He is a young boy who should be surrounded by love and care, but instead he gets neglect. This sadness could be a constant undercurrent in his life, affecting his relationships with others. He may be hesitant to trust people easily because of his experiences with the Dursleys. Additionally, he could feel a sense of isolation that is not just physical (being locked in the cupboard etc.) but also emotional, as if he is the only one in the world going through such a difficult situation.
A great 'Harry Potter Dursleys fanfic' might explore the Dursleys' backstory more deeply. For example, it could show how Vernon's hatred for magic and strange things developed over time. Or it could focus on Petunia's envy of Lily's magical abilities and how that affected her relationship with Harry. Some fanfics also imagine a scenario where the Dursleys are magically transported to Hogwarts and have to adapt to the magical environment. They would be completely out of their element, and it would be interesting to see how they interact with the students and teachers.
In this fanfiction, it might be that Harry is taken from the Dursleys and thrust into a completely different magical world situation. For example, he could be placed in a magical community that has its own unique set of rules and traditions. He may have to learn to adapt quickly, and along the way, he could face challenges that test his character and magical skills. This could lead to him growing in ways he hadn't before, and making connections with characters that were previously only on the periphery of his life.
Harry's character might grow in resilience. The neglect forces him to become self - reliant. He has to fend for himself, which makes him tougher. For example, he learns to cook his own meals and take care of his basic needs without any help. This self - sufficiency builds his confidence over time.
Another plot could involve Harry forming his own group of outcasts. Since he's neglected by his family, he feels a strong connection to other students who have been shunned or mistreated. Together, they start to explore the darker aspects of magic as a form of rebellion against the traditional wizarding world that has failed them. They might find a hidden lair in the Forbidden Forest where they practice their magic away from prying eyes, and this lair could hold secrets that date back to the founding of Hogwarts.
In some 'Harry Potter and the Dursleys' fanfics, there's a plot twist where the Dursleys are actually protecting Harry from a greater threat that the wizarding world doesn't even know about. They've been cruel to keep him close and safe. Also, there could be a twist where Vernon Dursley has a connection to the wizarding world through his family's past that he's been trying to hide all along, which changes how we view his hatred for magic.
Perhaps in the fanfic, a time - traveling wizard goes back to save Harry from the Dursleys. This would lead to a lot of changes in the timeline. Harry might be introduced to magic much earlier and form different relationships. He could also have a different understanding of his parents' history and his own role in the wizarding world as a result of being removed from the Dursleys' environment.
One possible plotline could be how the Dursleys face magical mishaps in their daily lives that drive them crazy. For example, maybe Dudley accidentally gets turned into a pig by a stray spell and the Dursleys have to deal with that chaos. Another could be that they are constantly haunted by strange magical creatures that are attracted to Harry's presence in their house.