One factor could be a complete disregard for the established lore and characters in the Harry Potter universe. For example, if a fanfic makes Harry a completely different person with no resemblance to his original character traits, like suddenly making him extremely cruel for no good reason. It just doesn't fit with what we know and love about the series.
Another aspect that can make a Harry Potter fanfic bad is when it tries too hard to be edgy or different in a negative way. For instance, if it includes really out - of - place and inappropriate modern references that don't match the magical world setting of Harry Potter. Or if it changes the relationships between characters in a way that feels forced and not in line with the original story's themes.
Well, a bad Harry Potter fanfiction could be due to bad world - building. In the Harry Potter series, the world of Hogwarts and the wizarding world is so richly detailed. If a fanfiction fails to capture that essence or creates a really inconsistent world, it's bad. For instance, if the houses at Hogwarts suddenly have completely different characteristics that don't align with what J.K. Rowling created. Additionally, if the fanfiction has a really forced or contrived plot device just to get to a certain point, like a deus ex machina that solves all the problems out of nowhere, it's a sign of a bad fanfiction.
A really bad Harry Potter fanfiction might be one where the author completely changes the personalities of the beloved characters. For instance, making Hermione mean - spirited when she's known for her kindness and intelligence in the original series. Bad grammar and spelling mistakes can also contribute to it being bad. Additionally, if the fanfiction tries to force a romantic relationship between characters that has no basis in the original story and does it in a cheesy or inappropriate way, it would be considered really bad.
One common characteristic is poor writing quality. This can include grammar and spelling mistakes that make the story hard to read. Another is the misrepresentation of the original characters. For example, making Harry Potter completely out of character by having him act in ways that go against his established personality in the official books. Also, bad fanfic might have really contrived plots that don't fit within the world J.K. Rowling created. They may introduce elements that are completely inconsistent with the magic system or the social structure of the wizarding world.
Unsettling plot twists can contribute to a fanfic being a 'nightmare' type. For example, if it turns out that Dumbledore was actually an evil mastermind all along and has been manipulating Harry for his own dark purposes. Or if the prophecy was a lie and Harry's whole life has been a cruel joke. These kinds of revelations that shatter our perception of the original story can make a fanfic feel like a nightmare.
The worst Harry Potter fanfic might be the one that tries too hard to be edgy or different. It could introduce inappropriate or offensive elements that don't fit with the family - friendly nature of the Harry Potter series. Also, if it fails to capture the magic and wonder of the wizarding world, like having a dull and uninteresting description of Hogwarts or the magical creatures. If the author clearly doesn't understand the essence of the series and just uses the names to attract readers, it would be a candidate for the worst fanfic.
A clever Harry Potter fanfic often has unique plot twists. For example, it might change the way a well - known spell works or introduce a new magical creature in a way that makes sense within the existing wizarding world. This shows creativity and a deep understanding of the source material.
One thing that can make a Harry Potter fanfic cooler is an alternate universe setting. Imagine if the wizarding world was set in a steampunk style, with wizards using magic-infused steam-powered devices. Also, a fanfic that delves deeper into the backstories of minor characters and makes them central to the plot can be really cool.
One thing that can make a Harry Potter fanfic terrible is if it completely goes against the established lore of the series. For example, if it gives Harry a completely different backstory that doesn't fit with what we know from the books. Another aspect could be really bad writing, like having a lot of grammar and spelling mistakes that make it hard to read. Also, if the characters are really out of character. For instance, if Hermione suddenly acts like a silly, air - headed girl instead of the intelligent, strong - willed character she is in the original series.
A delicate Harry Potter fanfic often has detailed characterizations. For example, it might show the vulnerability of a character like Harry when he misses his parents. It also could be in the way it describes the relationships, like the complex friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione. Delicate fanfics might use soft language to create an atmosphere, like when describing the warm light of the common room.
A 'sparkling' Harry Potter fanfic often has unique and creative elements. For example, it might introduce new magical creatures or spells that add a sense of wonder. It could also have really vivid descriptions of the magical world, like how the Hogwarts castle sparkles in the moonlight in a way we haven't seen in the original books.