Magic Shelf: Harry Potter fanfiction to be published in Russia for the first time

The MYTH Publishing house has acquired the rights to publish several fanfiction hits based on drama, one of the most sought—after areas within the Harry Potter universe. As Izvestia has learned, the texts that were previously distributed on the Internet and have gathered millions of readings will be published in Russian for the first time in the format of full-fledged books. We are talking about both foreign and Russian authors. The works will undergo editorial adaptation and will be published as independent novels without direct references to the original saga.

Harry Potter Fanfiction

In the coming months, Russian readers will see several notable releases inspired by Dramona, a romantic interpretation of the relationship between Potter characters Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger. One of the key premieres will be the novel Once, Again, Always (Wait and Hope) by American writer Amanda Gayle. This text is considered one of the most popular in its genre: it has gathered hundreds of thousands of fans and millions of views on foreign online platforms.

— Dramione is one of the deepest and most interesting areas in this field. There is an established, devoted and very reading audience here, who have been waiting for a long time for their favorite stories to appear in the format of full-fledged books. We have an absolute top in this genre, and there are still a few surprises ahead, including novels from Russian—speaking authors," Olga Kiselyova, head of product management for strategic development at the MIF publishing house, told Izvestia.

Photo: Legion-Media/Bang Media International

The English version of the novel will be released on October 6, the Russian version — approximately in October-November. The book will be adapted: the names and realities of the original universe will be removed from the text.

The plot revolves around the theme of lost memory and repeated choice. The main character Molly Graham wakes up in the hospital and finds out that she does not remember the last six years of her life, including her own marriage to a former school enemy. Gradually, she rebuilds a relationship based on distrust, hidden secrets, and an attempt to regain lost intimacy.

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Experts note that such projects reflect a steady trend: texts that have been recognized by millions of readers online become the basis for book releases. Fanfiction is increasingly seen as a full-fledged source of modern mass literature.

Another example is the novel "Morticians. Funeral of Samhain" by Russian writer Anvi Reed, which is scheduled for release in August 2026. This is already an original work, but with a recognizable aesthetic of the genre: a dark urban fantasy, a Gothic atmosphere and a tense romantic line.

The story tells about Gwyneth Griffin, a student at a funeral home who has lost some of her memories. Against the backdrop of mystical events on the eve of All Saints' Day, she will have to uncover the secrets of her own past and confront an impending threat.

The novel "The Color of Hope" by Natalia Mododina, based on the fanfiction of the same name, which has collected more than 1 million views on the Author platform, is expected to be released in early 2027.Today. Originally conceived as the story of the relationship between Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, it gradually grew into a large—scale family saga involving other Potter characters - Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa and Sirius Black.

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From fan text to big market

The phenomenon of Dramione has formed within the largest Harry Potter fan community. The contrast between the heroes — an excellent student from a Muggle family and the heir to a pure—blooded aristocracy - has become the basis for thousands of alternative stories. Over time, this confrontation has become one of the most enduring plot tropes of modern pop culture.

— Fanfiction has long ceased to be a geeky phenomenon, its audience has brought many works to the top with their love. But we are interested not just in fanfiction as such, but in those cases when the author outgrows the format and creates a full-fledged original work. That's exactly the kind of books we publish — with a strong plot, lively characters and high—quality text that can stand on the shelf as independent literature," Olga Kiselyova emphasized.

Photo: Global Look Press/Nick Wall

The first fan texts on dramione appeared back in 1999, shortly after the release of the early books in the series. The popularity of the direction grew rapidly: readers not only consumed the content, but also created new stories themselves. Today, Dramione has gone far beyond the boundaries of fandom. The texts are processed into original works, the rights to which are acquired by the largest publishing houses and film companies.

So, in 2025, Legendary Entertainment acquired the rights to the film adaptation of the novel "Alchemized", a reworked version of the Manacled fanfiction by the writer SenLinYu. The deal amount, according to industry data, exceeded $3 million and became one of the largest for fantasy works.