One way the Dursleys can be good in fanfiction is if they are forced to face the consequences of their actions early on. For instance, they might receive a warning from the wizarding world that if they don't treat Harry well, there will be serious repercussions. So they start to be nicer to him. They could provide him with a proper room, better food, and allow him to have friends over.
In some Harry Potter fanfictions, the Dursleys are depicted as nice. This could be a really interesting take. It might show how they could have been different if they hadn't been so influenced by their dislike for magic. Maybe they could have supported Harry more, or at least been less cruel. For example, a fanfiction could explore a scenario where Vernon Dursleys actually encourages Harry's academic achievements at school, instead of always putting him down.
The Dursleys could also cripple Harry emotionally in fanfiction. Their constant belittling, isolating him from others, and treating him like a burden could break his spirit. This emotional crippling might make it difficult for Harry to trust people, form relationships, or even fully embrace his wizarding identity. He may become withdrawn and lack the confidence needed to face the challenges in the wizarding world.
No. In the original 'Harry Potter' series, the Dursleys are presented as Muggles who dislike anything related to magic. Fanfiction is a concept more associated with fans of the series, and the Dursleys would have no interest in it.
It might show the constant power struggle between them. Harry, as a wizard, has an inner strength that the Dursleys try to suppress with their mundane and cruel ways. So it's a battle of wills.
Dumbledore might play a role. He could be the one who encourages Harry to stand up to the Dursleys. He might have some hidden knowledge about the relationship between the wizarding world and the Dursleys that could help Harry. Also, Hagrid could be involved. He could provide some muscle if things get physical. He might also offer some emotional support to Harry, as he's always been like a big, friendly giant to him.
In this fanfic, the Dursleys may be depicted as being in over their heads. Vernon Dursley, for example, might be shown as constantly angry and trying to assert his authority in a situation where he has none. Petunia Dursley could be portrayed as being torn between her dislike for magic and her sense of family obligation towards Harry. Dudley might be shown as being bullied or affected in the Muggle world because of Harry's presence in their family.
One interesting Dursleys fanfiction could be about Dudley's life after learning the truth about the wizarding world. Maybe he starts to have a change of heart and tries to make amends for how he treated Harry over the years.
They are popular because the Dursleys are such complex and disliked characters in the original series. Fanfictions give readers a chance to explore their motives and potentially redeem them. For example, we can understand why they treated Harry so badly in some fanfictions which might be due to their fear of the unknown world of magic.
A lot of fanfictions play around with the Dursleys' relationship with Harry. They could be depicted as having a sort of begrudging respect for Harry. For instance, when Harry starts to show real courage and power, the Dursleys might start to see him in a new light. This is different from the original story where they mostly just try to suppress Harry. Also, some fanfictions might give the Dursleys magical abilities of their own, which completely changes their dynamic with Harry and the wizarding world.