The Impact of Eliminating Fanfiction on the Harry Potter Fandom

The world of Harry Potter fandom is much richer and diverse with the inclusion of fanfiction. However, what if fanfiction ceased to exist? This hypothetical scenario would significantly alter the landscape of the fandom, impacting everything from the creation of new ships to the characterization and conflicts among characters.

Collapse of Created Ships

Ships Wouldn't Exist

One of the most fascinating aspects of fanfiction within the Harry Potter fandom is the creation and development of ships, or fan-powered pairings. Many fanfiction stories dedicate themselves to tropes such as 'enemies-to-lovers,' where characters who initially detest each other eventually fall in love. A prime example is the 'Drarry' and 'Dramione' pairings, where Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter or Draco and Hermione Granger become romantically involved.

For instance, Tom Felton, the actor who played Draco Malfoy, has a strong physical presence, leading many fans to propose 'Drarry' pairings. These pairings have grown so popular that they even surpass certain canon ships. However, not all fanfiction supports these ships. For example, the scene where Hermione punches Draco is often viewed as an act of anger, not one of lust. This demonstrates the complexity and depth that fanfiction adds to the original material.

Reduced Conflict Among Fans

Fans Won't be as Conflicted About Relationships

The Marauders Era, including the relationship between James Potter and Severus Snape, is often a subject of intense debate among fans. Fanfiction has played a significant role in increasing these conflicts.

Information about this era is limited, leading to much speculation and imagination. Fanfiction often portrays James as a bully, a perspective that has been further stimulated by different fan theories. Likewise, discussions about Severus Snape and his relationship with James often involve fan theories and hypotheses that can lead to heated debates.

However, the absence of fanfiction could reduce these conflicts. While fans will undoubtedly still disagree, the diverse and somewhat conflicting narratives provided by fanfiction have made these debates more nuanced and passionate.

Loss of Character Development and Diversity

Different Aspects of Characters Won't Be Recognized

Character development and diversity are crucial to the HP fandom, and fanfiction plays a significant role in this. Characters often defy their traditional house identities, such as Hermione being portrayed as a Slytherin or Albus as more of a Gryffindor.

Without fanfiction, the fans may miss out on recognizing and appreciating these different facets of their beloved characters. This can lead to a more rigid and less nuanced understanding of the characters, reducing the depth and richness of the fandom.

In conclusion, the elimination of fanfiction would severely impact the Harry Potter fandom. From creating new ships and dynamic relationships to the recognition and appreciation of diverse character traits, fanfiction is an integral part of what makes the Harry Potter fandom so vibrant and engaging. Cheers to the amazing stories and creativity that fanfiction brings to the table!