There could be. However, it's important to note that not all fanfics are easily accessible or well - known. The Harry Potter fandom is huge, and with so many fans creating their own stories, there's a chance that someone has written about this. But it may not be something that is widely promoted, as it's a rather specific and perhaps not - so - family - friendly concept within the otherwise magical and more positive themes of the original series.
There could be old friends from their school days. For instance, a classmate who knew some deep secrets about them. Maybe this friend was also in the same secret club or society that his parents were part of, and after their deaths, this friend tried to keep an eye on Harry from the shadows.
One possibility could be that Harry is the son of a powerful but mysterious wizard and a muggle - born witch who had to give him up for some reason. Maybe his real father was a dark wizard who was hunted down, and his mother was a brave witch who wanted to protect Harry from that dark legacy.
In some fanfictions, magic might be used to bring them back. For example, a powerful time - turning spell could be involved, allowing them to be retrieved from the past before their deaths. Another way could be through some sort of deal with dark forces, although this would likely have many negative consequences.
One possible fanfic could be about Harry's parents being magically changed in appearance. Maybe they were cursed by a dark wizard and had to live with different looks. This could add a whole new layer of mystery and drama to the story, as Harry might not recognize them at first if they were to somehow be brought back to life in this changed state.
One possible reason could be that he might feel abandoned. Growing up without them, he could resent the fact that they left him an orphan. He might think that if they were really so great, they would have found a way to survive and be there for him.
Yes, there might be some extremely dark and out - of - canon fanfictions out there with such a disturbing premise, but it goes against the general nature of the original story where Harry's parents loved him deeply. However, in the vast world of fanfiction, people can create all kinds of strange and often inappropriate scenarios.
The portraits can act as a source of emotional support. Just seeing their faces and the expressions of love and pride on them can boost Harry's confidence. For example, when he's feeling down about his latest encounter with Voldemort, a glance at their portraits might give him the strength to keep going.
One possible reason could be to explore different parenting styles in the wizarding world. Spanking, although a controversial form of discipline, might be used by some writers to show how Harry's parents could have dealt with difficult situations. Another reason might be for shock value or to create a unique and unexpected story within the familiar Harry Potter setting. It could also be a way for the writer to delve deeper into the characters' personalities and how they might react in a situation that involves discipline.
One interesting fanfic could be 'The Hidden Years of the Potters'. It delves deep into how James and Lily managed to stay hidden for a while. It shows their daily struggles, like finding a safe place to live and getting supplies without being detected. It also explores their relationship during that time, how they coped with the fear of being found by Voldemort.