- SenLinYu’s “Manacled,” a fanfic inspired by “Harry Potter,” is currently experiencing immense popularity.
- In this story, the Order of the Phoenix loses the war against Voldemort and Harry Potter perishes.
- To address the decline in the magical population, Hermione Granger reluctantly becomes Draco Malfoy’s surrogate.
Fan-fiction stories inspired by “Harry Potter” have been around since J.K. Rowling’s books first hit the shelves. One particularly beloved fanfic is “Manacled” by SenLinYu.
“Manacled” is set in the “Harry Potter” universe but draws inspiration from “The Handmaid’s Tale,” providing a darker perspective on the wizarding world.
If you’ve only come across mentions of “Manacled” on social media or through word of mouth, you might be perplexed as to what it entails. The story spans a massive 370,515 words, according to its Archive of our Own page.
Insider has crafted a beginner’s guide to the fanfic to help ease you into SenLinYu’s world. (Warning: The remainder of this article contains some spoilers for “Manacled.”)
‘Manacled’ follows Hermione Granger in a world where Harry Potter is dead
“Manacled” deviates from the “Harry Potter” canon after the conclusion of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” as explained in an author’s note by SenLinYu. Instead of good prevailing over evil, Voldemort and his followers emerge victorious in the magical war against the Order of the Phoenix, resulting in Harry Potter’s demise.
Hermione survives, albeit imprisoned in a soundproof, pitch-black room by none other than Dolores Umbridge for 16 months when “Manacled” begins. She is rendered powerless by copper handcuffs that suppress her magical abilities, essentially reducing her to a Muggle.
Upon her release from solitary confinement, Hermione finds herself still within the confines of Hogwarts, unable to escape due to her magic being inaccessible.
A healer informs her that her magic has turned inward, forming protective barriers around memories she wishes to keep hidden. However, even Hermione cannot access these memories, leaving her unaware of her parents’ names and the secret her mind is safeguarding about the Order.