When a Writing Change Fixes Harry Potter

Summary

The video explores how a gender-swapped, female version of Draco Malfoy—called “Malfoy” in the subtitles—has inspired Harry Potter fanfiction and highlights an unrealized possibility in the original story. The proposed rewrite keeps the major plot events but develops an enemies-to-lovers romance between Harry and Malfoy.

Character and theme

Harry represents self-sacrificing love, while Voldemort treats love as weakness and people as expendable. Malfoy’s belief in exclusive loyalty to family and social class could place her between those extremes, making her a natural source of thematic conflict.

The video argues that Draco’s role becomes less substantial as the series progresses, while Harry and Ginny’s romance arrives late and does little to challenge Harry.

Developing the relationship

The proposed relationship would build gradually through the existing rivalry. Malfoy’s hostility could mix with curiosity and admiration as Harry repeatedly contradicts her prejudices. Moments from the books—Quidditch matches, Harry’s Patronus, the Triwizard Tournament, the Mirror of Erised, and the events surrounding Dumbledore’s death—could become steps in that development.

In the later books, their history would give Malfoy’s choices at Malfoy Manor and the Room of Requirement more emotional weight.

The relationship should change both characters in ways specific to their flaws. Harry needs to value his own life and learn to trust and accept help; Malfoy needs to recognize the worth of people she was taught to despise. Her romance with Harry must not automatically redeem her: her prejudice should be confronted, her actions should have consequences, and Harry must have a credible reason to trust her.

The video also suggests that this arc could deepen Snape’s story by echoing his past relationship with Lily while showing a different outcome.

Writing concepts and techniques

• Use theme to shape character: Give characters distinct, conflicting views on the story’s central idea.
• Place characters along a thematic spectrum: A character caught between opposing viewpoints can carry especially rich internal conflict.
• Make relationships drive change: A strong relationship challenges both characters’ beliefs and flaws.
• Build on existing story elements: A high-impact change can strengthen several arcs without replacing the main plot or inventing a new conflict.
• Develop relationships incrementally: Use established scenes as opportunities for changing trust, attraction, and tension.
• Make redemption earned: Show consequences, meaningful choices, and a convincing basis for renewed trust.
• Evaluate each character’s story function: Ask whether a character challenges the protagonist’s worldview, reveals a blind spot, or forces a reconsideration of goals and beliefs.

Broader takeaway

A character can fit into a story while still leaving much of their dramatic potential unused. A carefully changed relationship can reveal a different story within the same plot.

Creators and contributors mentioned

• Hartwell (Hartwell the Watcher), the video’s presenter and script consultant.
• J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series discussed in the video.
• An unnamed online commenter, credited in the video with suggesting a possible Room of Requirement and Mirror of Erised scene.