The main reason is the freedom it offers. Writers can break the rules of the original universe. For example, they can change the relationships between characters like making Draco and Harry friends. It gives new perspectives on well - known characters and situations.
Tom Riddle (before he became Voldemort) is a popular character to explore in alternate universes. Writers can delve into his early years, his time at Hogwarts, and what could have been different to prevent him from turning into the Dark Lord. Also, the Weasley twins are often used in fanfiction. Their prank - loving nature can be used to create all kinds of chaos and humor in different universes.
One popular theme is time travel. Fans love to write about characters going back in time to change events in the wizarding world. Another theme is parallel universes where Hogwarts or the wizarding world as a whole has different rules or characteristics. And of course, the theme of self - discovery is also common. When characters travel to alternate universes, they often learn more about themselves.
The main reason is the chance to explore different scenarios. Fans can see what would happen if the characters had different personalities or if the power dynamics changed. For example, in some alternate universes, Marinette might be more assertive as Ladybug from the start.
One great 'alternate universe Harry Potter fanfiction' is 'The Life and Times of Severus Snape'. It delves deep into Snape's character in an alternate setting. It shows a different side of Hogwarts and the wizarding world through his eyes. Another one is 'A Different Sort of Magic' which changes the magic system in an interesting way. The characters have to adapt to new rules of magic, creating a fresh and engaging story.
Well, 'The Veil's Echo' is a top - notch alternate universe fanfiction. In this story, the Veil in the Department of Mysteries has some unforeseen consequences that send Harry and his friends into a parallel wizarding world. It's full of mystery and adventure. 'A World Without Voldemort' is another great one. As the title suggests, Voldemort was never born, and the wizarding world has developed in a completely different direction. There are new political struggles and different character dynamics. Also, 'The Animagus Potter' is cool. Harry discovers he has an animagus form much earlier and it changes how he interacts with others at Hogwarts.
The novelty. It offers a break from the familiar storylines of the original series. We get to see what could have been if things were different in the wizarding world.
Severus Snape is a fan favorite in alternate universe stories. People are interested in seeing his character developed further, perhaps in a world where he didn't have such a complex relationship with Lily Potter. Harry Potter himself is, of course, a popular choice. Fanfic writers might create scenarios where Harry discovers his magic much earlier or has different adventures outside of Hogwarts that change his character development.
Harry and Draco are one of the most popular pairings. Their relationship in the original series is full of tension, and in alternate universe fanfiction, it's often explored in different ways, like they could end up as friends or more than friends. Another popular one is Hermione and Ginny. They are both strong female characters, and fanfiction might explore their relationship in a more romantic or just a very close friendship way.
There are quite a few good 'Harry Potter Alternate Universe Travel Fanfiction' out there. For example, 'The Lost in Alternate Potter Worlds' story is about a group of students who get lost in different alternate versions of the wizarding world. They have to find their way back while facing all sorts of strange challenges and new magical creatures. Another one is 'When Harry Traveled to the Alternate Hogwarts'. In this one, Harry, on his own, travels to an alternate Hogwarts where things are very different. The relationships between the characters are changed, and there are new secrets to uncover. 'The Other - Side Potter Universe' is also a fascinating fanfiction. It shows an alternate universe where the war between good and evil took a completely different turn, and the characters have to deal with the consequences of that different history.
In the alternate universe, Harry could meet different versions of his friends and enemies. His relationship with them would be very different. For instance, Hermione might be a Death Eater or Ron could be a powerful dark wizard. It would be a huge shock for Harry to deal with these new identities of people he thought he knew well.