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A Marauder's Plan

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Fandom: Harry Potter
Relationship: Hermione Granger/Harry Potter
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Sirius decides to stay in England after escaping Hogwarts and makes protecting Harry his priority. AU GOF.

3576 pages, ebook

First published June 13, 2016

26 people are currently reading
218 people want to read

About the author

CatsAreCool

3 books16 followers

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5 stars
158 (53%)
4 stars
80 (27%)
3 stars
44 (14%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Pamela.
185 reviews20 followers
May 7, 2021
This is one of my favorite fanfics. It features a strong Sirius who decides to clear his name so that he can support Harry in his battle against Voldemort instead of going into hiding.
Profile Image for Shayan Kh.
279 reviews24 followers
March 22, 2019
4.6 Stars.

One of the best fanfictions I've ever read. This is a slow and long journey to an alternative universe. Not for people who don't like slow character development or politics. This fanfiction peaks into the minds of almost every major character at least for a bit, which makes it a lot harder to hate. The main character is Black but everyone is a shade of grey. Everyone makes mistakes, and almost all of them tries to correct their mistakes.
Some of the scenes are so beautiful that I could cry. So is the relationship between Harry and Sirius. The stressful parts were balanced out with fun parts perfectly. And if you don't mind the slow development of the overall story, the pacing is almost perfect.
Some elements are introduced here, like family magic and some aspects of it like that some people might not like, but I loved. It reminded me somewhat of another HP fanfiction by the name of Blindness, although this one is a lot cheerier.
There is usually an asshole in these kinds of stories, like Umbridge, Malfoy, and Skeeter in the original or even Dumbledore and Ron in a lot of fanfictions. This is not the case in this book, and I must say it was a welcome change. Don't get me wrong there were people in this book I wanted to strangle, but they weren't the annoying just for the sake of being an asshole like the ones I listed out.

The relationships between everyone was depicted beautifully. I think this is the main attraction of this fanfiction. It was a joy to read because of how real every relation in this book felt.
I recommend it to every HP fanfiction fan who doesn't shy away from this long journey.
Profile Image for Aj.
359 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2017
A bit rough in editing in spots but the story is fantastic. One that I had a hard time tearing myself away. I like this every bit as much as Rowlings tales...in some ways more. Wish I had this in hardcover for my bookcase.
Profile Image for Marlene.
3,439 reviews241 followers
December 24, 2019
If you like "fix-it" Harry Potter fics with a side of Harmony where the adults step up and do some adulting (and Sirius LIVES!) this one is terrific.
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,497 reviews121 followers
January 3, 2022
Excellent alternate universe story.
Profile Image for Dakota.
415 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2016
It's finished! Quite enjoyed this AU Harry Potter Fanfiction. I like the Sirius here.
Profile Image for Cindy Burlingame.
19 reviews
June 5, 2024
I have now read this 5 times and every time I find something new. This is, hands down, the BEST FanFic I’ve ever read!
Profile Image for Krina || Amazeofwords.
168 reviews25 followers
October 19, 2023
AU.

I don't generally read fanfictions in HP era. The fact that I read it was a big thing but that I also loved it?

This book is absolutely amazing. I love the way, the writer took time and portrayed Sirius Black, with the love and care he deserves. This is the first story I have read where Sirius claims the Lordship. I loved it. Each chapter. The use of magic. It was beautiful to read. The family totums. The Deathly Hallows. The way, they bond. It makes you wonder and actually makes you think that how one decision can change lives. I love the way, you showed the House Unity, how people changed; how they were ready to stand up for what they truly believe in. Every character was shown in their best possible ways. And when Sirius and Remus realise, they do need to have 'THE TALK', not only with Harry but also with Neville, the craziness multiples. Every emotion made you wonder. I loved the character development of Lord Nott. Sometimes you begin thinking how much politics affect the lives. I really liked the idea of how Lily had the bond with Lord Arcturus Black. And the way, Sirius and Harry were terrified of losing each other on their way. The scene when Draco was worried for Harry and Sirius, not just because he was suppose to being Family but just because. Every one had a chance to improve, which proved one chance can change the world around. And the scenes which broke me: The scene in cemetery, where Sirius and James talk for the first time in Fourteen years. The pain in their words wrapped in their love for each other. And the second one, where James visits Harry in his dream. I don't have words to express the beauty there. This was an amazing journey for me.
Profile Image for Sanet Tose.
2 reviews
April 12, 2017
I loved this alternative, placing a big focus on family magic. You need to keep an open mind and don't get stuck on what the characters did in other books.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,223 reviews59 followers
November 4, 2023
4★+ — I'm even tempted to round up, to tempt fans reluctant to read big books/ looongfics.

From the author's AO3 intro Notes:
Alternate Universe based on prompt 'What if Sirius hadn't run away to somewhere sunny after escaping Hogwarts but stayed and tried to make Harry's wish of a home come true?' Covers alternative 4th Year/Goblet of Fire and therefore does not follow canon religiously.

Pairings: Harry/Hermione is the main pairing. All others are surprises so read at your own risk - although I will say there are a number which follow canon.

Tropes/Cliches/Fanon: Independent!Sirius, Manipulative-but-well-meaning!Dumbledore. Plays with fanon concepts of Ancient and Noble Houses, Potter wealth and status, Super!Harry.

Content warning of references to child abuse (neglect, emotional - Harry; physical, emotional - Sirius) in early parts, references and discussion of grooming and rape/dub-con/sexual contact by an adult with a minor (not Harry) in the last two parts of the fic. Please consider your personal triggers and keep yourself safe. Character deaths abound.

I've had this massive (865.5K words!) AU marked TBR for a while archiveofourown.org/works/1085412/ but just (finally) decided to take the plunge. This is not yet my final review, obvsly.

*******

My rating as of Ch.40 (Harry & co.'s first day of 4th Year, his partly-time-bubble-extended "best summer" of big changes having finally ended) is an easy 4★.

I stopped in on GR because I didn't want to forget to make one note: some of the other reviews indicated it was poorly proofread, but I haven't found terribly many errors so far, none more major than the occasional confusion of a missing "not", and consistently (frequently!) using the noun "want" as a synonym for "desire", which I'm pretty sure only holds for verbs, making me read it as "lack". (Am I wrong?)

*******

Finished! And my "easily 4★" verdict stands, even though not every tragic casualty, canon or OC, is avoided in the climactic confrontations. "Character deaths abound" doesn't really apply 'til then, though, unless you count Death Eaters. Some "final destinations" seem fated — though a number of canon events are echoed in different, clever ways throughout, for good or not, rather than being the same. Anyway, here's how I annotated my AO3 bookmark/rec:
It's definitely worth the time for any HP fic-reader to read this post-3rd-year-thru-pre-5th-year epic AU, decisive boss battle[s] included. (Well, unless you passionately believe either Snape or Dumbledore made no mistakes.) I kept my final comment (addressed to the author) spoiler-free, so I'll share it here.
*****
I've just spent the last several days scarcely able to put this story down. It's one of the very BEST Potterverse AUs I've read, in fact one of the best FICS I've read. You developed rich, balanced characterizations (including a number of Gryfferins, Gryffvenclaws, and Slythindors, so to speak), with both *growth* and range for all the protagonists, from grief to joy, rage to compassion, self-reflection, and love, faith, and friendship in many forms. Your Ancient and Noble Houses, Family Magic, rituals, and origins headcanons are consistent, cohesively well-conceived, often unique, and well-deployed in both short and longer scales. You plotted MAGNIFICENTLY, with cleverness and tension, legal schemes and physical deeds, surprises and satisfaction, and respect for "everything has a price." You had me reaching for tissues more than once, but leave the tale in a warm, hopeful place. I won't be rereading this epic as *often* as I do some shorter favorites, but I'm quite sure this won't be my only read. BIG kudos, and appreciation. 👏👏👏👏👏👏


Sirius would do ANYTHING for Harry, even if that means he has to essentially take over wizarding Britain! By remembering what he learned while being raised Slytherin instead of going with Gryffindor impulsiveness as cost him so much already, he claims his rightful place, forces those with authority to open their eyes and take responsibility, builds alliances to legislate a safer, fairer world for idealistic Harry to live in, gets healing for himself and Harry both physical and mental, and accelerates the destruction of every piece of He-Who-WILL-Be-Named's soul and support... even if all that does mean things take a different course which also makes a few enemies and challenges worse for himself and/or for surprisingly-powerful Harry.

The majority of scenes are from Sirius or Harry's 3rd-person-limited PoV, but there are a number of others included more than once, too, such as Remus, Hermione, Amelia Bones (DMLE Head), Ron, Neville, Moody, Bill, and the ambiguous Malfoys (whose connection to the Blacks you surely recall), among assorted other friends, allies (some of varying initial reluctance), and opponents, both adult and school-age. Chief among the antagonist-PoVs are crazy Crouch (Barty Jr. has a personal-vengeance motive now), pusillanimous Pettigrew, and more than I needed (not often, but any is ugh!) of literally-moldy Voldy.

The occasional chapters from Severus's perspective start out not very sympathetic, but he is gradually able to stop reacting with only knee-jerk hatred toward Sirius, and work toward truly redeeming himself toward Harry and in general.

Albus Dumbledore, unfortunately, has to learn the same lesson several times over, namely that he doesn't know everything, and therefore doesn't necessarily know best, and SHOULDN'T KEEP SECRETS AND MAKE DECISIONS FOR EVERYONE ELSE. *Ahem*, yes, well, he does give vital, unselfish help in the climax (no spoilers!), so I guess I should forgive the old meddler. His decisions here are quite plausible with canon's depiction (her pro-Dumbles statements being one of many ways JKR proved from almost the beginning that she lacked wisdom). ETA: Cheers for opening Minerva McGonagall's eyes to his fallibility, making her a true support for Harry and Sirius!

Harry and Hermione (as stated, the main pairing) start out as firmly friends, and only gradually admit to themselves and finally to each other that they both want to try romance, too, IF they can agree that it will not be allowed to spoil the friendship that's so important to them both. However, they don't go farther than innocent kisses so far. Hence, "Romance - Clean", though there's a lot more going on in the life of Harry, Lord Potter and Heir Black (not all of which he can share even with a trusted friend... which causes it's own, not-too-protracted period of angst). There are also less-clean secondary-element involvements for other characters, lasting and not, but, well, not enough for shelving.

I'll add one non-pairing reveal the author didn't include (though no pairings, since she apparently wanted them unknown-in-advance): Sirius decides that Harry doesn't need to be worrying in their first year together about ~competing~ for his new father's emotional attention, so he won't even consider looking for a witch or wizard to date. He's happy with Harry, anyway.

I almost decided not to include the LGBTQ+/GSRM shelf, because that's not a major element, but there is some rep among secondary/tertiary characters, too, whether that's a plus or minus or neither to you.

(I finally decided to tick almost all the shelves that apply, even if only in certain sections. Not "Fantasy - Dark", though; it's really not, on balance with all the family-by-choice feels. 🤷 I even considered including "Trope - De-aging", because although that's just two brief, connected bits, it's touching and well-done.)

Let's see, what hasn't come up yet? I guess I've got to try mentioning some plot without getting spoiler-y, or making it too obvious which are most important.

There are some less-common HP-fic elements I enjoyed, like the Muggle Drs. Granger getting to be involved in the magical parts of their daughter's life, werewolf-pack dynamics (and Remus's place in them) explored, some interesting uses of the Arthurian origin-element visible in wixen oaths like "Merlin's __", some valuable bittersweet looks back at happier days for the Marauders [and the Potter family], and a more emotional ghost/spirit-related element. The approach taken re. the Deathly Hallows is original, intriguing, and excellent, including how even once the protags find out that they're real, they don't immediately narrow their focus to one interpretation or plan. I also always like when Harry takes learning seriously, instead of just getting by; his new responsibilities make that even more important in Noble!Harry fics like this. The animagus-learning process as Harry, Hermione, and Ron variously experience it is very fitting to their different characters. Gah, I don't know what more I can say... The ~adjustments~ to the Tri-Wizard Tournament challenges are interesting, avoiding mere retreading. Oh, there is one betrayal, adding a downbeat note during the denouement. The author did come up with some good explanations for things like Remus's prior-to-3rd-Year non-involvement. It was something to see Sirius make use of Cornelius Fudge's political personality and savvy to his benefit, instead of being the target. 🎉

To update my proofreading evaluation made midway, the "pretty good" level holds throughout, though I did catch one wrong-name use later, and in terms of the writing beyond that technical level, I clearly found it both gripping and touching.

N.b., archiveofourown.org/series/487526 is just this fic and some follow-up author commentary I hadn't read before drafting this review because I didn't want to forget my own major impressions. I'm now reading it, and adding in a few bits the commentary reminded me of, though not all, even though it occasionally surprised me to realize what I'd omitted. (What can I say? It's a big fic, and I kept jumping around in my review; things get missed.)

I do recommend you read the commentary, though (AFTER the fic, obvsly); it offers a number of good insights (including how the author hoped some parts would be informative for vulnerable younger readers, which I, as a not-young, non-parent, non-teacher, i.e., w/o much contact w/actual kids/youths, don't always think of), as well as character parallels/ contrasts, etc.

Oh, and it clarifies that this is a book-verse fic. I'd only noticed a couple things, like Padma being a Ravenclaw, because I get versions of Potterverse mixed up. It is more sympathetic to Ron just having to mature past his callowness, which many movie-fics aren't.

I think I'm going to go sample some of what else this author has written under her various pseuds in other fandoms we share. (Unfortunately, this is her only HP fic.) I hope they've all been posted on AO3, none on just FFN.
Profile Image for Ann_Nyaruai.
442 reviews
April 5, 2024
Lord Sirius Orion Black saves the wizarding world

I can't believe this fic actually made me love Sirius Black. In canon, he was a huge disappointment and then he gets killed off.

In this AU, after Sirius escapes Hogwarts with the help of Hermione and Harry, he has a stop over in Godric's Hollow. He actually takes a moment to think through all of the mistakes he's made and manages to break the compulsion Dumbledore put in him. That hook into the story was really well done.

He then takes up the mantle as Lord Black, clears his own name and adopts Harry all before the summer's first month is over. He and Harry go to a clinic to rest and heal together. All of this is done in a way to ensure Dumbledore doesn't interfere and do more damage.

Afterwards, Lord Black basically overhauls the entire system to ensure that Harry has allies. He makes it very clear, in his actions and words, that Harry is the priority. They manage to get the majority in the Winzegamot, destroy all the hocruxes, neutralize bellatrix and her husband and so much more! All of this happens from the summer after third year to the summer after fourth year. The entire fic is 3000 pages because everyone and everything gets talked about down to the tiniest detail. It was nice but a bit repetitive at times. I still enjoyed it and the battle at the end was EPIC.

Harry had to be the one to lead the fight and kill Voldy. But Sirius made everything SO much better. Even in the aftermath, Harry gets time to recuperate in the clinic and tasks gets designated to ensure he comes home to a settled world.

In the middle, Dumbledore makes more dumb choices and they keep giving him chance after chance. Finally, he redeems himself in the end, but I still hate him. Moody's speech at his memorial was right, he should have taken responsibility for Tom. Maybe then they would have avoided Voldermort.

Overall, I feel like this is it's own story and it was really really good. 5 stars!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Apoorva Pandey.
7 reviews
August 7, 2020
There were several things, plots, characters, etc. that I regretted in the Harry Potter series. One of them was an early death for Sirius Black. How Harry after finally getting a father figure in his life, lost said figure all too soon.

Well this book addressed my that concern in a phenomenal way. The mettle in Sirius Black's character that the author has shown was just amazing. The relationship between Sirius and Harry has been written even better. And not only the relationship between Sirius and Harry, but also the relationship between Hermione and Harry and Remus and Tonks was built up nicely. There was no BAMM! and they are in love, which I appreciated a lot.

I loved how for once Harry was not expected to take the burden of saving the world on his shoulders all by himself and his merry band, but actually had people who helped him. And I especially loved how Dumbledore was taken to task, not in a malicious way mind you, but in a way that made him not only realise his mistakes but also helped him in correcting himself.

All in all, it was a good story with good characters, responsible authority figures, an active government, smart individuals and most importantly, lots of MAGIC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Devanshi Mehta.
235 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2021
This book has great potential but requires a lot of editing in terms of content. Everything is repeated way too many times. These 87 chapters have some unique stuff but it could have been written in 50 chapters. Theres no need to discuss how each person is feeling after every problem. In each chapter, something is revealed to Harry and he goes to talk to Sirius about his feelings, who in turn consoles him and they tell each other that they love them. There's small talk everytime. After every event, a point of view from 10 characters is given where they think about what has happened and then look at someone and nod. Unnecessary. After 40 chapters or so, I was tired of reading so many unnecessary pages so I started skimming. There was still some nice stuff in the end but i just wanted it to end. I want to give 5 stars for the creativity and ingenuity but I can't. But if it is edited enough, then I would say this is a very nice, wholesome read on a rainy day with a hot beverage.
Profile Image for Janice Murphy.
11 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2023
Goodreads doesn't do half stars, so 5 it is! The story is excellent, and literally everything I could want for an AU with Harry raised by Sirius and Remus. I feel like the subjects that could be traumatic or triggering was handled very well.

The -.5 star is for the many typos and errors I found throughout the story. This is expected from writing that isn't professionally proof-read, and doesn't take away from the story at all.

I loved this story, and will definitely read it again in the future.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
272 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2020
I enjoyed this as much as the original. Maybe even more as I adore Serious Black's character here and the ending was way more satisfying. I know this author did not do the world building but the use of it and the characters was superb. Thank you for letting me dip back into this magic.
Profile Image for Tessa.
244 reviews39 followers
April 6, 2025
Lo muchísimo que me ha gustado este fanfic cuando ni siquiera soy fan del ship?? Estoy flipando.
Tampoco es que la historia se centrara en la relación, ha sido un 98% trama política y es que buah 🤩🤩
De los fanfics más originales que he leído dentro del mundo de Harry Potter.

Si destaco a alguien evidentemente es al protagonista: Sirius aka Lord Black. Si hay algo que me guste en una historia es cuando un personaje quiere tanto a otro que es capaz de cambiar el mundo por él. Y ver el profundo amor que se tienen Sirius y Harry en esta historia es de las cosas más bonitas que he leído en mucho tiempo.

En sí toda la dinámica de la familia Black me ha parecido increíble y el papel de los Longbottoms ha sido tan importante…

Toda la trama del team Voldy ha estado muy bien también, hay POVs de casi todos los personajes y conoces sus motivaciones y sus debilidades.
Sí, es un fanfic larguísimo pero de verdad que no podía parar de leer. Simplemente mi tipo de mierda.

La única pega que le veo es que Sirius y Remus tendrían que haber acabado juntos o al menos haber dejado la puerta abierta a que pasara algo entre ellos. Pero vamos, que en realidad, dentro de lo que es la historia, es una nimiedad y simplemente es por quejarme de algo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carie Harling.
12 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2025
Well. I’m gobsmacked.

I’ve never read a fanfic of anything ever. Let me lead with that. So, I went into this with no expectations.

I have so much to say, and the best way I can summarize is this:
If I’m perfectly honest, this is exactly how I wish the original stories had gone.

This book made me cry. More than once.

This book made me perform the Reader’s-Jump-Up-And-Fist-Pump-With-Joy. More than once.

This book satisfied the Capital-R-Reader in me in ways I’m not capable of describing.

Every single taste of Justice the original books left me wanting? I received it all, delivered on a balanced silver platter.

I simply want to thank the author. Thank you for the mind-bending amount of time, energy, love, and effort you gave to every single character (new and returning), scenario, and plot point in this book.

This story is an absolute gift that I am deeply grateful I stumbled upon.


Profile Image for Anuja.
72 reviews14 followers
August 19, 2019
I remember reading this story long back when it was still in progress. I had loved the story. I loved responsible Sirius and well-cared Harry and blessing ritual. I had waited for this story to be completed.
However, I hadn't bookmarked it and lost it in a sea of other stories.

I was excited when I found the story again. I loved re-reading the story. I knew what was coming and I loved the anticipation. I loved the tale you have woven.
There are so many things I want to gush about so many plot twists I didn't see coming and so many cliffhangers I would have faced if this was not complete.

It's a great story and explains plot points. I seriously considered cannon events from your view-point. Kudos!
Profile Image for Sean Randall.
2,120 reviews54 followers
October 2, 2023
I stuck with this to the end, and at nearly 900,000 words, that's a big job. I can't admit to being overly impressed either: there were 35 occurrences of kisses being dropped or placed on the side of someone's head, every time a mirror call took place the wavering of the image was mentioned more than once, and nobody was bad. I mean apart from the bad guys we knew going in, literally everyone else was made good. I can take that for a particular arc, but everyone? It was a bit of a stretch.

yet, for all that, I enjoyed myself, because the ways in which people spin off Potter are legion and it's nice to see an interpretation of that. I wasn't on the edge of my seat, compelled to read like I have been with others, but I still kept going and am glad I know how the story ended.
Profile Image for Lya Stiubei.
4 reviews
December 13, 2023
It's insanely long for a reiteration of the 4th year (800.000+ words), but very nicely done. It has tiny elements of romance but it doesn't even qualify as a subplot. The main attraction of this fic is the politics, and at times the action. And of course, Sirius. Love him to death.

Excellent plot, some parts are explained extremely well compared to the books (for example the hallows). Everything ties together, in one way or another. I cannot imagine the amount of work that went into this. Well done.
Profile Image for Giulia Frost.
355 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2023
This fanfic is pure perfection, I don't have words to describe how much I adored every moment of this story, the politics, Harry's relationship with Sirius, the role the Hallows play in the story, Bill!!! Even though it was way more than 800k words and I've spend more than 4 days reading, this is the kind of story you savour every moment and wish you could read it for the first time again and again.
Profile Image for Lashawn.
71 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
So, started this the end of December, just finished today. Any fabric that is longer than your average book goes to my book tally.

I am not ashamed.

This was the bomb-diggity. I love a well-written Sirius, and this delivers in spades. It's a slow burn story, but thoroughly engrossing. I recommend it for any HP fan.
59 reviews
July 31, 2018
A story of epic lengths and I read it for a second time, because it is just that amazing!

I adore the politics in the story, I love the family magic concept - to tell the truth, I loved every part of this story: the characterization, the plot, the emotions - everything.
Profile Image for Aly.
93 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2018
Wow - this epic was just that, epic. From family magic, to the hallows, to the characters themselves, this was an incredible reimagining of what Harry Potter could look like if Sirius had gained custody of Harry.
Profile Image for krow.
330 reviews
September 2, 2023
Liked it initially, although the author was treating both Dumb's blatant manipulations and Siri's bullying a bit too ambiguously for my tastes. Bending over backwards to make it all look like some great act of kindness, really, and so I'm out.
169 reviews
August 19, 2024
Loved this! Harry taking on his lordships always work so well! A well detailed story without it being the main focus! Emotion was well developed along with Sirius and Harry’s relationship! Great side characters, twists and turns! Great canon alternative!
Profile Image for mirabilos.
1,097 reviews19 followers
Want to read
August 3, 2019
Read up to ch.61 when it was still WIP
57 reviews
June 10, 2021
I wish this would have been the route Rowling took. It makes so much sense for the characters and it does justice by many of those that got short changed in the books
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