Well, it could be really interesting. For example, if Harry was replaced with a cat. The cat could have special powers like being able to see things that are hidden from normal view. It could slink around Hogwarts, getting into all sorts of nooks and crannies that a human Harry couldn't. And the way it would interact with other characters would be different too. Hermione might be constantly trying to keep the cat - Harry out of trouble, while Ron might find the cat's antics both annoying and endearing.
Imagine Harry as a fox. A fox is known for its cunning. In this fanfic, the fox - Harry could use his natural slyness to outwit the bad guys. He could easily sneak into the Slytherin common room, which is supposed to be very difficult to access for non - Slytherins. And his relationship with Dumbledore might be more of a mentor - protégé relationship where Dumbledore has to tame the wildness in the fox - Harry while still harnessing his unique abilities.
If Harry was an owl, it would change the story a great deal. Owls are associated with delivering messages in the Harry Potter world. So an owl - Harry could have a natural ability to find people or places by following some sort of instinctive homing sense. He could also communicate in hoots and screeches which other magical animals could understand, creating a whole new way of interacting with the magical creatures in the Forbidden Forest and around the school.
In this fanfic, the shrub could take on the role of Harry Potter in the Triwizard Tournament. Instead of Harry facing the challenges, it's the shrub. Picture the shrub being carried by the dragons or trying to swim in the lake for the second task. It would be a comical and absurd sight.
The plot would change a lot. If Harry was a dog, for instance. His loyalty would be even more pronounced. He might be more likely to follow his friends into dangerous situations without question. Also, the way he approaches challenges would be different. Instead of using magic wands and spells, he might rely on his animal instincts like a strong sense of smell to track down things. This could lead to different solutions for the mysteries in the story.
Well, in a 'Harry Potter is Jellal' fanfic, it might start with a strange magical accident that transports Jellal into the Harry Potter universe. Since Jellal is often portrayed as a complex and powerful character, he could have a significant impact on the events in the wizarding world. He might get involved in the fight against Voldemort, using his own combat skills and magic. At the same time, he would have to deal with the cultural shock of a new world, like the differences in magical creatures, the social hierarchy at Hogwarts, and the way magic is taught. This could lead to a lot of humorous and exciting situations as he tries to fit in while also being his own unique self.
One possibility could be a world where Harry Potter takes on Voldemort's role in terms of power. The wizarding world would be in chaos as Harry, with his different values from Voldemort, tries to enforce his own version of order. He might use his knowledge of good magic in a twisted way, believing he is doing the right thing for the greater good. For example, he could start controlling the Ministry of Magic to implement changes he thinks are necessary, but which others may see as tyrannical.
Hermione would still be a main character. She might be intrigued by the shrub and try to study it. She could be constantly taking notes about its growth patterns and any magical properties it might have.
It could be really interesting. Maybe Harry is transported to the world of Hamilton somehow, and he's watching the musical with wide - eyed wonder, comparing the muggle world's way of presenting history to how magic has influenced his own world's history. Or perhaps he's using magic to enhance his viewing experience, like making the stage come alive in a more literal sense.
In such a fanfic, the plot could revolve around Harry being raised in a Druid environment instead of the Dursleys' house. He would grow up learning about Druid magic, which might be more centered around natural elements like earth, air, fire, and water. His wand could be a unique Druid - inspired tool, perhaps made from a special tree branch. The story could also introduce Druid enemies or challenges that are different from the typical Voldemort - related threats in the original series. Maybe there are ancient Druid curses or rival Druid clans that Harry has to deal with, all while still having some connection to the wizarding world he knows from the original books.
A Harry Potter Hip Hop Fanfic could combine the magical elements of the wizarding world with the beats and rhythm of hip hop. The spells could be turned into cool rap lyrics. For instance, 'Expelliarmus' could be a line in a rap battle between two wizards. The different houses might also have their own hip hop styles. Gryffindor could be more bold and energetic, while Ravenclaw might be more cerebral and smooth in their flow.
It could be a wild and exciting crossover. Imagine Harry Potter characters in the Mortal Kombat arena, using their magic spells as combat moves. For example, Harry could use his Patronus charm as a defensive move against Scorpion's spear. The Hogwarts houses might also play a role, like Gryffindors being more aggressive fighters while Ravenclaws use their intelligence to strategize in battles.
It could mean a story related to Harry Potter but not in the style of a typical fanfic for the Potter series. Maybe it's a story that takes a different view on Harry Potter, like a critical analysis or a parody that doesn't follow the fan - created norms.