In a fanfiction where Harry's parents are alive, it could be that they were secretly protected by a powerful ancient magic. They were transported to a different magical realm. When they return, they bring with them new magical knowledge and spells. They help Harry become an even more powerful wizard. For example, they teach him how to combine different types of magic in unique ways. They also work to improve the relations between the wizarding world and other magical creatures.
One idea could be that James and Lily Potter go into hiding with Harry instead of being killed. They could use powerful magic to disguise themselves and Harry, and then raise him in a secret location, teaching him magic from a very young age. This would change Harry's whole personality as he would grow up with the love and guidance of his parents.
One plot idea could be that Lily's presence changes Harry's upbringing completely. Instead of growing up with the Dursleys, he has a loving home with his mother. Maybe she starts teaching him magic early on, which gives him an edge when he enters Hogwarts. This could also lead to a different dynamic with his friends, as he might be more confident and skilled from the start.
A fanfic with Harry's parents alive could have a plot where they discover a new threat to the wizarding world. Since they survived Voldemort's first attack, they are more vigilant. They raise Harry to be a strong wizard, teaching him both powerful spells and the values of the wizarding world. The story could involve them going on adventures together to find the source of this new threat. Along the way, Harry learns more about his family's history and his parents' experiences at Hogwarts. There would be a lot of family bonding and magical discoveries.
In a fanfiction about Harry Potter and his parents, a great plot could be that Harry discovers a hidden diary of his mother. Through reading it, he gets to know her deepest thoughts, her fears, and her hopes. He also learns about the early days of the Order of the Phoenix through her eyes. This discovery could change his perspective on his own life and his place in the wizarding world. He might then be inspired to follow in his parents' footsteps more closely, perhaps by joining an organization that his parents were once part of.
Well, a lot of these fanfictions have the plot point of how the wizarding world politics change. In a fic like 'Potter's Influence', with his parents alive, the Potters become a powerful force in the wizarding world. They are able to sway opinions and policies. Also, the relationship between Harry and Draco can be very different. Harry, with the support of his parents, might not be as easily intimidated by Draco, and they could end up having a more complex relationship that isn't just pure rivalry.
One great fanfiction with Harry's parents alive is 'The Potter Family Returns'. It's a heartwarming story that shows how different Harry's life would be. His parents get to guide him through his Hogwarts years, and there are some really cute family moments, like family dinners in the Gryffindor common room. It also has some interesting new plotlines with the Marauders being involved in Harry's adventures.
A really interesting plot could be that James and Lily, alive, work with Dumbledore to create a new school of magic. This school would focus on teaching students how to defend against the Dark Arts in a more practical and hands - on way. Harry would be one of the first students there. They could also develop new magical artifacts that could help in the fight against evil. And the family could have adventures all over the world to find the ingredients and knowledge needed for these new creations.
One interesting plot idea could be that Lily and James, alive and well, decide to train Harry in magic from a very young age. This would make Harry an even more powerful wizard earlier on. They could also use their influence to reform the wizarding world, starting with Hogwarts. For example, they might introduce new courses that focus on both light and dark magic, teaching students how to defend against the dark arts in a more comprehensive way.
A potential plot development might be that Voldemort, upon hearing that the Potters are alive, would be enraged and try to attack them again. This would lead to a new series of battles and challenges for Harry and his parents. They would have to work together to fight off Voldemort and his followers. Also, Harry's parents could help him unlock new magical abilities or knowledge that he didn't have access to before because they are more experienced wizards.
Well, a common concept is that Harry's real parents were actually involved in a prophecy that was much more complex than the one we know. Maybe they were trying to prevent a greater evil than Voldemort, and in the process, they had to make sacrifices that led to their seeming deaths. For example, they could have faked their deaths to go into hiding and protect Harry in a more covert way.