One major difference is the world - building. In canon, J.K. Rowling had a very specific vision for the wizarding world. But in fanfiction, authors can expand on it in unique ways. They might introduce new magical creatures, new spells, or even new locations within the wizarding world. Moreover, the themes explored in fanfiction can be quite different from the canon. While the canon focused on things like good vs evil, friendship, and sacrifice, fanfiction can explore other themes like time - travel paradoxes or alternate forms of magic.
Well, in fanfiction, the characters might have different relationships. For example, some fanfics could explore a romantic relationship between characters that wasn't in the canon. Also, the plot can deviate greatly. Fanfiction might take a side character from the books and give them a much more prominent role, changing the whole story dynamic compared to the official canon.
Fanfiction often differs from canon in terms of character development. Canon has a set path for character growth, but in fanfiction, a character could develop in a completely different direction. For instance, a shy character in the books could be made into a bold and fearless leader in fanfiction. Also, the pacing can be different. Fanfiction might speed up or slow down certain events compared to how they occurred in the official story.
In the original Harry Potter canon, the Master of Death is more of a theoretical concept. But in fanfiction, it can be much more fleshed out. For instance, in fanfic, Harry might actually be able to control death on a large scale, like preventing natural disasters that cause death in the wizarding world, which is not something in the books.
In some fanfics, Harry might not go to Hogwarts but instead be homeschooled in magic. This is a huge departure from canon where Hogwarts was central to his development. Another example could be that in fanfiction, Voldemort could be redeemed, which is completely against his character in the original canon.
In canon, werewolves like Remus Lupin are complex characters with a struggle between their human and wolf sides. But in fanfiction, dark werewolves are often made more extreme. They may lack the moral compass that Lupin had. For example, they could be more eager to harm others during their transformations.
One common theme is the exploration of character growth over a longer period. Since the characters are older, the authors can show how they have developed from their younger selves in the canon. For instance, Harry might be more world - weary and wiser.
Well, in normal 'Harry Potter' canon, Harry is a hero. But in murderer Harry Potter fanfiction, it completely flips that. It subverts the idea that Gryffindors are always good and brave in the right way. It makes you question the very foundation of the Hogwarts houses and their values. For example, if Harry, a Gryffindor, can become a murderer, what does that say about the sorting system?
In canon, Harry has his fair share of hardships but not this kind of extreme abuse. In these fanfictions, the situations are much darker. Canon focuses more on the battle against Voldemort, while the fanfictions focus on Harry's personal and often very difficult experiences with abuse. Also, the relationships in canon are more positive overall compared to the strained and often negative ones in these fanfictions.
It changes the canon by introducing a new form of interaction between Voldemort and Harry. Instead of just the typical battles and mind - reading attempts we see in the original books, the 'plugging' concept adds a more invasive and direct connection. For example, Voldemort could directly influence Harry's thoughts and actions in ways that were not possible in the canon.
One great 'Harry Potter older than canon fanfiction' is 'The Life and Times of Severus Snape'. It explores Snape's life in a more in - depth way, showing him at different ages and how his experiences shaped him, even those outside of what was shown in the original books.
Apparition in fanfiction can also have different side - effects. While in the original series, the main concern is splinching, in fanfictions, there could be other consequences like leaving a magical trace that can be tracked by dark wizards. This adds an element of danger and intrigue to the story.
In the canon, Harry has his moments of doubt and vulnerability. But in confident Harry Potter fanfiction, he's more self - assured. For instance, in canon, Harry might be hesitant to trust new people, but in fanfiction, a confident Harry could be more open - minded. This changes the flow of the story as he interacts differently with both friends and foes.