Harry Potter fanfiction can be described as a subset of the broader fanfiction universe, where enthusiasts create and share stories based on the Harry Potter series. This emergent literary genre offers an expansive narrative universe enabling fans to participate actively in the Harry Potter universe's continued evolution. It further allows them to explore diverse aspects such as plot, character development, themes, and settings beyond those presented within J.K. Rowling’s original seven-book series. This article explores Harry Potter fanfiction in detail, considering its various aspects, communities, popular websites, and common frequently asked questions.
The Emergence of Harry Potter Fanfiction
Harry Potter fanfiction came into being soon after the first book's release in 1997. The global captivation with the magical universe gave rise to a fan community eager to extend the original narrative. These extra-canonical texts encompass a wide range of genres, including romance, adventure, drama, and even crossovers into other fictional worlds.
Fanfiction is generally considered to be a testament to a work's popularity, and Harry Potter, with its intricate world-building, lovable characters, and immersive plot, has cultivated one of the most prolific fan-based literary outpourings.
Varying Styles and Themes of Fanfiction
Fanfiction varies considerably according to the style and themes the author chooses to explore. Some fanfictions remain faithful to the original book's narrative flow and style while others diverge considerably, integrating alternate universe (AU) scenarios, changing character relationships, genders, or creating entirely new plotlines.
Popular themes include 'what-ifs,' where authors explore different outcomes to pivotal events within the books. They may also focus on background characters or explore the future beyond the series' end. Others might incorporate darker themes, such as major character deaths, crime, or non-canon relationships. Each story offers a fresh, often personalised perspective on the Harry Potter universe.
Online Communities and Websites
To accommodate the growing demand for a platform to share these fanfictions, several online communities and websites have been set up. These include FanFiction.net, AO3 (Archive of Our Own), and Wattpad, which collectively host millions of Harry Potter fanfictions.
FanFiction.net, the oldest of these, has the largest collection of Harry Potter fanfictions nearing a million. AO3, the newest entrant, is more flexible with content guidelines and actively encourages the creation of more diverse fanfiction, including LGBTQIA+ focused stories. Wattpad is more mainstream and user-friendly, making it popular among younger users.
Fanfiction and Cannon Exploration
Fanfiction provides a platform for readers to delve deeper into Harry Potter's canon. With J.K. Rowling's universe as the basis, fanfiction explores what's possible within those confines, often offering up creative expansions or interpretations.
Some writers choose to delve into character backstory, fleshing out pasts only hinted at within the original books. Others write 'missing scenes' from the original books or explore parallel timelines. This exploration strengthens the Harry Potter canon, providing new angles and depth to J.K. Rowling's world.
Marauding in Fanfiction
A popular sub-genre of Harry Potter fanfiction concerns the Marauders, a group of Hogwarts students who attended the school during the 1970s. This group, consisting of James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, comes to life through these fanfictions.
Stories focusing on the Marauders provide fun, nostalgia, and a sense of camaraderie. They allow readers to further explore and investigate these characters' lives before Harry Potter's time, thus complementing J.K. Rowling's universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is fanfiction legal?
A: Yes, as long as the author does not profit from it, the creation of fanfiction is generally legal, falling under "fair use." However, the original author can still request for fanfiction of their work to be taken down.
Q: Where can I read Harry Potter fanfiction?
A: Websites such as FanFiction.net, AO3 (Archive of Our Own), and Wattpad are popular platforms for sharing and reading fanfictions.
Q: What is a 'Mary Sue' in fanfiction?
A: 'Mary Sue' is a term which denotes a character, usually female, who is unrealistically perfect and often disrupts the narrative.
Conclusion
Harry Potter fanfiction is an engaging literary field that has drawn fans across the globe. It offers an avenue for individuals to contribute to the broader narrative, showcases diverse voices, and enhances the Harry Potter experience. As such, it fundamentally enhances the relationship between an individual and the world of Harry Potter, turning passive enjoyment into active creation.
References
"Fan Fiction and Fan Communities in the Age of the Internet." Edited by Karen Hellekson and Kristina Busse, 2006. Publisher: McFarland & Company.
"The Democratic Genre: Fan Fiction in a Literary Context." Sheenagh Pugh, 2011. Publisher: Seren Books.
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