In AU fourth - year Harry Potter fanfiction, relationships are often reimagined. If the Ministry of Magic was under the control of a different, more tyrannical leader, students' relationships would be affected. Harry, Ron, and Hermione might have to be more secretive about their friendship as they oppose the new regime. Teachers' relationships with students could also change. For instance, Snape might be more sympathetic towards Harry if he realizes that they both oppose this new threat. And Hagrid could be in more danger as he tries to protect the students, which would bring the trio closer to him and strengthen their bond in a different way than in the original story.
In AU 4th - year fanfictions, relationships can change a great deal. For example, if Harry was raised by Sirius instead of the Dursleys. His confidence might be higher, and his relationship with Draco could be less antagonistic from the start. Maybe they could even become reluctant allies in the face of a new threat at Hogwarts. Also, Hermione might form a closer bond with Neville as they study together more often in this AU, and Ron could become a bit jealous of their newfound friendship.
Well, in an AU fourth - year setting, the relationships can take some really different turns. Consider if Ginny was the one chosen by the Goblet of Fire instead of Harry. Harry's relationship with Ginny would develop much earlier and in a more protective way. He might start to see her as more than just Ron's sister much sooner. Meanwhile, Hermione could start to develop feelings for a different character, like a Ravenclaw student she meets during a study group for the Triwizard Tournament tasks. This would change the dynamic between her, Ron, and Harry as they navigate their own romantic interests and friendships.
Well, in many Harry Potter AU fanfictions, travel to an alternate universe can happen due to a disruption in time. If a time - turner is misused or there's a major magical event that messes with the time - space continuum, it can lead to an AU. Also, some fanfictions depict that a character's strong emotions and desires can trigger a journey to an AU. Say a character has a deep longing to see how things could have been different, and their magic responds by sending them to an AU. It's all very creative and varies from one fanfiction to another.
Luna Lovegood might also be a possible love interest. Her unique personality and view of the wizarding world could attract Harry in a different way. She's not afraid to be herself and is very open - minded. In an AU, Harry could see her in a new light and they could start a relationship based on their shared experiences of being a bit different from the norm in Hogwarts.
One interesting plot twist could be that in the AU, Neville Longbottom is the one secretly chosen for the Triwizard Tournament instead of Harry. It would completely change the dynamic as Neville has his own insecurities and strengths that would play out differently in the challenges.
One idea could be that Harry discovers a new, hidden magical ability within himself that helps him in the final battle against Voldemort. For example, the ability to communicate with the spirits of Hogwarts founders for guidance. Another could be that the relationships between the characters take a different turn. Maybe Hermione and Ron have a huge fight early on and Hermione teams up with Draco for a while out of necessity, which changes the dynamics of the whole group. Also, Neville could have an even more prominent role, leading a secret group of students who are training in a new form of magic that they hope will give them an edge in the fight.
It could become very close and trusting. They'd know each other inside out and have a deep bond from childhood.
One underrated character who could have a bigger role is Seamus Finnigan. He's always been on the sidelines a bit, but in a 7th year au, he could be a key figure in the Gryffindor resistance against the Death Eaters at Hogwarts. His skills in charms and his Gryffindor courage could be put to great use. Also, Professor Trelawney could be more important. She might have a real, accurate prophecy in this au that she shares with Harry. Her knowledge of divination could be the key to understanding some crucial aspect of Voldemort's downfall, rather than just being seen as a bit of a joke like in the original story.
Well, at first, they might be in denial about being brothers. Draco, with his pure - blood pride, and Harry, who has his own set of values. However, they could start to see similarities in each other. Draco might notice Harry's courage and Harry could see Draco's loyalty to his family (even if it's a different kind of family now). They could end up teaming up to solve mysteries within Hogwarts, and in the process, their relationship could transform from reluctant acceptance to a real, deep brotherly bond.
Well, a cool plot twist might be that in this 4th - year AU fanfic, the Triwizard Tournament tasks are all designed by a rogue Death Eater who has infiltrated Hogwarts' staff. So the tasks are not just tests of courage and skill but also traps to try and harm the students. Also, Harry might discover that his parents were actually part of a secret society within the wizarding world that was fighting against a different dark force, not just Voldemort, which changes his whole perspective on his family and his role in the wizarding world.
A half - vampire student. This character could have unique abilities like super speed and enhanced senses. They could be a bit of an outcast, but also have a mysterious allure and help Harry in unexpected ways, perhaps in dealing with the Dementors.
A great antagonist could be a corrupted teacher. For instance, a teacher who is secretly working for Voldemort but has been hiding in plain sight at Hogwarts for years. They could manipulate the Triwizard Tournament to their own ends, causing all sorts of trouble for Harry and his friends.