Develop their backstories thoroughly. If your character is a Slytherin, think about why they were sorted into that house. Maybe they come from a family with a long history of dark magic use, but they want to break free from that legacy. By having a detailed backstory, their actions and decisions in the fanfiction will seem more logical. Also, let their relationships with other characters evolve naturally. Just like how Harry's relationship with Ron and Hermione grew over time, your characters' relationships should too.
Give your characters flaws. In the Harry Potter books, even the heroes have flaws. Harry can be impulsive at times. Your characters should also have weaknesses. If your character is really good at Transfiguration but terrible at Potions, it adds depth to them. It also makes them more relatable to the readers as no one is perfect in real life.
One idea could be a fanfiction where Harry discovers a hidden magical ability that has been dormant in him all along. Maybe he can communicate with magical creatures on a much deeper level, like understanding the thoughts of dragons. This could lead to him forming an alliance with a dragon to protect Hogwarts during a new threat.
Give your background characters distinct personalities. For instance, if it's a minor Hogwarts student, don't just make them a nameless face. Maybe they're really shy but have a great sense of humor that only a few people get to see. Also, add some conflict to their stories. It could be a conflict with another character, like a rivalry over a Quidditch position, or an internal conflict such as struggling with a difficult family situation.
Explore their relationships in depth. If a character has a complex relationship with their family, like being disowned for not following the family's dark magic practices, it will add layers to their character. Also, show how they interact with different Hogwarts houses. A character who doesn't fit neatly into any one house's stereotype but has qualities of all of them can be very interesting and unique.
One way to ensure believable character development is to let the relationships between characters influence their growth. For instance, if a new character is friends with Ginny, Ginny's feisty and confident nature might inspire the new character to be more assertive. Additionally, consider the passage of time. Characters should change gradually over time, not suddenly. For example, Draco Malfoy might slowly become more empathetic as he gets older and reflects on his past actions.
Use unique magical elements. Instead of the usual spells, create some new ones that are exclusive to your story. This will make it more interesting.
Well, making your own Harry Potter fanfiction is really exciting. You can begin by choosing a theme. It could be about friendship, like how a new student forms a strong bond with the main characters. Next, you need to consider the conflict. Is it a dark wizard threatening Hogwarts again? Or is it a problem within the school like a feud between different houses? Once you have these elements, start creating your story. Remember to add some of the unique elements of the Harry Potter world, such as the Sorting Hat, the Marauder's Map, and the Quidditch matches. This will make your fanfiction feel like it really belongs in the Harry Potter universe.
Fanfiction writers make it believable by showing the reactions of the other characters. If Hermione is researching frantically, and the doctors in the wizarding world are stumped, it gives the impression that this is a serious and real situation. Also, by making Harry's character arc focus on his acceptance of his fate, it mirrors what many real - life cancer patients go through, which helps the reader believe in the story.
Make sure the character's actions are consistent with their personality. If they are shy, they won't suddenly be the center of attention in the Great Hall without a good reason. Their growth throughout the fanfiction should also be gradual. In the fourth year at Hogwarts, there are a lot of new challenges like the Triwizard Tournament. So, the character should respond to these challenges in a way that is in line with who they are.
Create your own spells with detailed incantations and wand movements. Explain the origin and purpose of these spells. Maybe your spell is related to a specific location in the wizarding world, like a spell that can only be cast in the Forbidden Forest. Develop the consequences of using the spell, whether it has a long - term effect on the caster or the environment. By doing this, your fanfiction will stand out as having a unique magical system.
One way is to focus on a less - known magical creature. Instead of writing about Hippogriffs or Unicorns all the time, choose something like a Jarvey or a Nundu. Another way is to give the creatures new abilities or characteristics that are not in the original books. For example, make a Thestral be able to change its appearance at will. Also, set your fanfiction in a different time period in the wizarding world, like during the founding of Hogwarts or in a future where the relationship between wizards and magical creatures has drastically changed.