In entities where lyrics and themes intertwine, Taylor Swift’s spellbinding storytelling breathes new life into the untold tales of the Marauders through fanfiction, weaving a magical tapestry that resonates with both Potterheads and Swifties alike. Marauders fans started from the canon “Marauders Map” in the books and movies that introduce the audience to Harry Potter’s dad’s friends. This nickname was enough to fuel fans and create an entire and separate fanbase for themselves in the Harry Potter fandom. In an intriguing intersection of fandoms, the Harry Potter Marauders fanfiction community finds a unique resonance with Taylor Swift's artistry, prompting an exploration of the connections between these two worlds and how their interaction influences the identity and dynamics of each community. What connections draw the Harry Potter Marauders fanfiction community to Taylor Swift? How does this interaction shape the individual communities? These fandoms possess numerous shared characteristics, reflecting common interests and themes that flourish in fanfiction.
Marauders Fandom
The Marauders fandom is a subculture that emerged from the larger Harry Potter fandom. The nickname, Marauders, refers to characters from the Harry Potter series: James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Though not the main characters in the Harry Potter story, the Marauders became the focus of many fans due to their intriguing personalities, complex relationships, and mysterious backstories. Their perplexity led to a distinct sub-community within the broader Harry Potter fandom centered around their stories, dynamics, and time at Hogwarts. Fans often delve into the lore surrounding the Marauders, exploring their friendships, their antics at Hogwarts, and their eventual fates. They create fanfiction, fan art, and headcanons that expand on these aspects.
Online platforms such as Tumblr, Reddit, and Wiki Fandom have dedicated sections for fans of the Marauders, providing rich environments for exploration and discussion. Hashtags and subreddits are necessary to cultivate a community on these online spaces. Tumblr’s marauders x reader hashtag has 7,300 followers while the marauders hashtag has 64,000 followers. These spaces allow enthusiasts to delve deeply into the intricate relationships, thrilling adventures, and complex flaws of characters like James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Each platform offers a unique perspective on fan interpretations; for instance, Tumblr and Wattpad often display fan fiction that leans towards self-insertion narratives, commonly referred to as “your name” (y/n) stories, where readers can insert themselves into the tale alongside the Marauders. In contrast, AO3 tends to feature fan works that more consistently align with established canon while inviting reimagined scenarios, providing a fertile ground for original storytelling and creative reinterpretation of canonical events and character arcs. As a result, the fan community around the Marauders thrives, fueled by diverse genres and styles that allow for a rich exchange of ideas and creativity. The Marauders fandom exemplifies how a more minor, beloved part of a larger narrative can give rise to its thriving subculture, complete with unique practices, norms, and fanwork.
J.K. Rowling and Her Connotations
Joanne Rowling, widely known by her pen name, J.K. Rowling, is the creative mind behind an enchanting seven-book series that has captivated children and adults alike for decades. Since the debut of the first installment in 1997, this beloved fantasy franchise has blossomed into a cultural phenomenon, spawning eight blockbuster films that brought the magical world of Hogwarts to life on the big screen. In addition to the movie, the franchise has expanded into gaming, with at least fifteen engaging video games allowing fans to experience adventure in the Wizarding World firsthand. Theme Park enthusiasts can immerse themselves in this extraordinary universe at three internationally renowned theme parks, where the wonders of Harry Potter come alive in elaborate attractions and experiences. This past year, the release of a second video game titled Hogwarts Legacy was confirmed, which promises to deepen players' exploration of the rich lore surrounding the iconic school of witchcraft and wizardry. The influence of this magical series goes far beyond its original books, as Rowling's universe continues to thrive through various adaptations and spin-offs. Notable among these is the stage play Cursed Child, which adds another layer to the beloved story, and the Fantastic Beasts series, which has further expanded the narrative in literature and film. These developments display the enduring legacy of Rowling's work, which continues to inspire new generations and forge new paths in the enchanting world of magic and adventure.
Although she is a successful author of a beloved franchise with fans spanning multiple generations, Rowling's reputation has suffered due to her problematic behavior and controversial beliefs. Her public statements against trans women and trans rights have drawn significant backlash. As a result, many actors and fans have chosen to separate Rowling from her work, seeking to enjoy and appreciate the franchise on its own merits. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, the franchise's lead stars, have actively supported The Trevor Project, a national organization dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. BBC News Instagram shared a summary of a blog entry. Radcliffe expressed his criticism of Rowling’s tweets regarding transgender individuals through the Trevor Project stating, “Trans women are women. Any assertion to the contrary dismisses the identity and worth of transgender individuals.” He hopes that people's recollection of the Harry Potter series won't be marred by the controversy: "If these books taught you that love is the most powerful force in the universe... that rigid notions of purity lead to the oppression of marginalized groups… then that is something you share with the book you read, and it is sacred" (News). Earlier this year, on platform X, Rowling responded to a user about Radcliffe and Watson owing her an apology for their association with protecting Trans Rights. She claimed she would not forgive them for the sake of saving them from “traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces” (Adamczeski). This separation has continued to resonate in the present, as recent game releases and reunion projects have decided to publicly disclose any involvement with Rowling, whether direct or indirect. Such measures reflect the ongoing impact of her controversial views and the desire of many within the franchise community to create an inclusive and affirming space for all fans.
A significant aspect of the Marauders fandom is the rich tapestry of queer ships that reflect the community’s commitment to representation and diversity. While the fandom features a plethora of male x male (mlm) ships, sapphic (wlw) pairings are also gaining visibility, highlighting the multifaceted nature of love and relationships. This vibrant reimagining of characters is particularly poignant given that the original creator has made public statements against LGBTQ+ rights. Through crafting alternate narratives through fanfiction, fans are not just creating stories but actively reclaiming a narrative space that has often been devoid of their identities and experiences. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin's iconic slash ship, colloquially named Wolfstar, is at the heart of this reclamation. The deep bond and palpable tension between these characters are fertile ground for fans to explore themes of love, identity, and belonging that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community. From the emotion filled hug between the two men in the Shrieking Shack in the third book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, to Remus Lupin moving in full time to 12 Grimmauld Place to keep Sirius Black company amidst hiding as a fugitive. In the subreddit r/Wolfstar, user myheadsgonenumb exemplifies how fans build entire relationships from subtle moments in canon, highlighting interactions between Sirius and Remus where the latter physically restrains Sirius during his impulsive outbursts. The fan interprets these moments, such as in the Shrieking Shack or Order of the Phoenix, as evidence of Sirius's deep love and respect for Remus, contrasting it with his dismissiveness toward Harry. These interpretations, rooted in physicality and Sirius's unique responsiveness to Remus, transform subtext into a compelling narrative of mutual trust and affection (myheadsgonenumb). Far from mere fantasy, these interpretations allow fans to express their truths and challenge the heteronormative and often exclusionary aspects of the original canon. By dedicating their creativity to queer ships, fans create a narrative that counters the bigotry perpetuated by Rowling, effectively challenging her attempts to erase representation in her works.
When fans take it upon themselves to introduce and explore diverse identities, they wield the power to shape their beloved universe. This act of writing and sharing becomes a form of resistance, one that reinforces the notion that queer love and diverse backgrounds are not just optional but essential parts of storytelling. TikTok user @shelikesprongs is a creator known for exploring diverse interpretations of James Potter, a beloved character from the Harry Potter universe. In a popular video, they display popular fan depictions of James as various ethnicities, paired with distinct aesthetics, celebrating the creativity and inclusivity within fandom interpretations while reimagining his character in fresh and meaningful ways. Archive of Our Own (AO3) has 268 fanfics with the tag “Plus-Size Lily Evans Potter.” Through their fanon interpretations—such as envisioning Lily Evans as plus-size or giving various races and ethnicities to traditionally white characters—fans establish a more inclusive narrative that reflects the real world. Fans reclaim their agency and assert that belonging to the magical world is valid and vital; each piece of fanfiction, every character reimagined, chips away at Rowling's rigid boundaries. Separating the work from the author is about enjoying a story and claiming a space where every identity is acknowledged and celebrated. By elevating queer narratives and striving for diversity, fans take back the power and integrity of the story they cherish, ensuring that its legacy is one of inclusivity rather than exclusion.
Understanding Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter renowned for her narrative-driven songwriting, often drawing from her firsthand experiences and relationships. She burst onto the music scene as a country artist in the mid-2000s and has since evolved into a pop icon known for her innovative approach to music and storytelling. Swift’s commitment to authenticity and vulnerability sets her apart in the entertainment industry. She openly shares her experiences and struggles, providing insight into her journey through the complex landscapes of fame, romantic relationships, and self-discovery.
Beyond her remarkable musical talents, Swift has established herself as a passionate advocate for various social issues that resonate deeply with many of her fans. She has taken a strong stance on education reform, LGBTQ+ rights, and women's empowerment, often leveraging her influential platform to raise awareness and generate discussions around these critical matters. During the Chicago stop of her Eras Tour on Friday, June 2, 2023, Swift used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights at the start of Pride Month, condemning anti-LGBTQ legislation and affirming her support for the community. Following her performance of the pro-LGBTQ anthem “You Need to Calm Down,” she delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating her fans' authenticity and emphasizing her concerts as safe spaces. Swift acknowledged the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, urging her audience to remain vigilant and proactive during elections by supporting candidates who protect equality. Her activism during the concert was a powerful reminder of her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and her love for the community, capped with a warm "Happy Pride Month" to her fans.
She urges her followers to participate in social activism and make their voices heard. By being candid about her challenges and triumphs, she fosters a deep sense of connection with her audience, many of whom see reflections of their own lives in her stories. This multifaceted approach—not only as a talented musician but also as a socially conscious figure—has solidified Swift’s status as a prominent and respected leader within the music industry. Her ability to blend artistry with activism has made her an influential voice for positive change, inspiring countless individuals to act and contribute to society's betterment.
Taylor Swift's songs have become a powerful source of inspiration for the Marauders fanfiction community, with her lyrical themes of love, heartbreak, rebellion, and personal growth resonating deeply with the characters and relationships in the Harry Potter universe. Fans often connect Swift's songs and the Marauders, particularly the complex friendships and romances that defined their time at Hogwarts. The themes of unrequited love and longing in songs like "Gold Rush" or "Invisible String" are frequently tied to the bittersweet relationships between characters like Lily Evans and James Potter. The fanfics use these songs to explore these characters’ inner turmoil as they face the reality of their situations. In one example, Lily Evans can no longer deny her feelings for James Potter, recognizing that she and James have always been connected and bound to get together despite her initial resistance. Swift’s metaphors in her song “Cardigan” reflect Remus Lupin's struggles with his insecurities and his relationship with Sirius Black following Sirius Black’s false imprisonment for the death of their friends. The rowdy, carefree spirit in tracks like "22" and "Me" echoes the Marauders' mischievous pranks and loyalty to one another. Fans also tie Swift’s explorations of heartbreak and self-discovery, as seen in "The Archer," “State of Grace,” or "Call It What You Want," to the more vulnerable side of characters like Sirius Black or Remus Lupin, offering new dimensions to their personalities and relationships. Through these connections, Swift's music provides a rich backdrop for fanfiction authors to scrutinize the joyful and painful moments in the Marauders' lives.
Swift’s Connection to Marauders
The depth that fanfiction writers bring to fictional characters is evident through their unique interpretations. Paul Booth's thesis, Fandom Studies: Fan Studies Re-Written, Re-Read,
Re-Produced explains, “Fan fiction writers produce strands of the story that might not be officially considered canon" (Booth). This creativity often surpasses the original canon details in the books, blurring the lines between fanon and canon. Because fans have little original material on which to base their work, they often use the term “fanon” to refer to the fan-made headcanon that, because of its popularity, has been adopted and unanimously agreed on by the fandom and incorporated into other fanfiction. TikTok user @wolfymcwolfwolf admitted their surprise for not knowing the difference between fanon and canon Marauders lore. The original book series does not disclose the middle names of Sirius Black and James Potter. Fans have created their own interpretations of these characters' middle names. The Black family traditionally names their members after constellations, so many fans have chosen "Orion" as a fitting middle name for Sirius, reflecting the balance of Regulus Arcturus Black. For James, the chosen middle name is "Fremont," in honor of his father. Like Swift, fanfiction writers narrate their stories using lyrical elements drawn from specific songs. For fans of the Marauders who also appreciate Swift, there is an evident intersectionality between the two fandoms. This connection stems from fans' identification and affiliation with Swift and the Marauders (Head). By drawing parallels between Swift's lyrics and the relationships or emotional dynamics of the Marauders—particularly Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and James Potter—fans reimagine these characters through contemporary cultural lenses. This process often involves attributing deeper emotional layers, alternative narratives, or even shifting identities, such as exploring diverse ethnicities or modern aesthetics for these characters. These reinterpretations highlight the fandom’s ability to transform brief moments of subtext or character traits into rich, multifaceted personas that resonate with modern sensibilities. Much like Swift’s evocative storytelling inspires fans to connect subjective experiences or societal themes to her music, the Marauders fanbase finds joy in projecting their creative interpretations onto these beloved figures, blurring the line between canon and fandom-driven lore. This constructive collaboration underscores the power of participatory culture in creating new dimensions to established works.
In the case of Marauders fanfiction writers, they see the Marauders in various aspects of their lives. Swift’s latest album features a song titled “The Black Dog," which resonated deeply with the Marauders fandom. This reference relates to Sirius Black—known as Padfoot—due to his Animagus form, a black dog. Additionally, Swift’s fans often connect with celestial themes, as highlighted in her lyrics from songs like “Cardigan,” (“you drew stars around my scars”), “Seven,” and “Love You to the Moon and Back.” In the galaxy of Swift's lyrics, fans identify with numerous celestial entities, from stars to planets. These elements strongly relate to the Marauder's characters. For instance, Remus Lupin refers to himself as Moony, a nickname stemming from his identity as a werewolf. At the same time, Sirius Black is associated with his family's tradition of naming members after constellations. Furthermore, James Potter is often linked to the sun, symbolizing the brightness and warmth he brings to the lives of his friends and loved ones.
The phenomenon of fans embracing the intricate connections between Taylor Swift's lyrics and the Marauders fandom exemplifies a deeply parasocial relationship that transcends traditional fandom boundaries. Parasocial attachment means feeling like a celebrity is a friend (Morris). This unique overlap creates a complex web of shared jokes and interpretations that only those who engage with the Swift and Marauders communities can fully appreciate. MsKingBean89 is the pseudonymous AO3 author of All the Young Dudes, a 500,000-word, 188-chapter Harry Potter Marauders-era fanfiction that ran from 2017 to 2018 and has since gained cult status. The story, which delves into the lives of Hogwarts students Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and James Potter, has inspired fan theories linking MsKingBean89 to Taylor Swift, sparked by parallels between the fanfic and Swift’s songs. However, this playful theory, rooted in humor and fandom speculation, remains unsubstantiated. These inside jokes of Swift’s dual identity as Ms. KingBeans89 reinforce the idea that fandoms can create their narratives and meanings, often partially divorced from the original creators. Fans engage in a collective act of reclamation by invoking the figures of Swift and the Marauders. In doing so, they elevate Swift to a position of authorship over the Marauders, which diminishes Rowling’s singular ownership of her creations. This cultural move serves as a kind of resistance to Rowling’s views and an assertion of agency by fans who feel more aligned with Swift's themes of empowerment and community. Swift's support for LGBTQ+ representation and her visible engagement with her fanbase align more closely with many fanfiction writers' values, particularly in LGBTQ+ reinterpretations of the Marauders' story.
Through this lens, fans are not just parodying or joking about their shared interests but actively rewriting the narrative landscape. By promoting Swift as an alternative voice in the creation of the Marauders lore, fans challenge the boundaries set by Rowling and reframe the story in a way that resonates more meaningfully with contemporary values. This act of fans taking agency creates a space where they can reimagine the narrative according to their ideals, pushing back against the more problematic aspects of the source material. In this sense, the playful participation in these parasocial dynamics takes on a more significant cultural weight. It is a way for fans to carve out identities and communities that rebel against the authoritative creator and, instead, embrace a collaborative storytelling ethos that reflects their collective beliefs and experiences. Swift's music not only becomes a backdrop but also a unifying force that allows fans to engage with the narratives they cherish in a more inclusive and affirming way, illuminating paths for creativity and solidarity that challenge the conventional role of authorship. The identification of Swift with the Marauders fanfiction writing community has ushered in a new era for the fandom, characterized by an expansion of character exploration beyond previously established narratives. Swift's lyrics and themes resonate with essential aspects of identity and relationships, particularly regarding queerness and emotional depth, which opens the door for fresh interpretations of beloved characters. While queer ships have always existed within the fandom, Swift's influence has encouraged fans to push the boundaries of these relationships further, leading to innovative and diverse pairings that reflect contemporary understandings of love and kinship. New ships and their associated tropes have emerged, capturing many experiences and identities that may have been overlooked in the original texts. This evolution highlights how the fusion of Swift’s artistry with Marauder's lore allows fans to reimagine these characters in ways that celebrate fluidity and complexity, inviting a richer narrative tapestry that resonates with a broader audience and better reflects modern sensibilities.
There is space for everyone in fandoms, especially in today's digital age, where sharing and connecting have always been challenging. The twenty-first century is stimulated by fangirls, from cultivating fanfiction to edits and fan art. The digital era has fostered a vibrant new chapter within fandom communities, particularly among fanfiction writers who are reclaiming their agency and redefining their safe spaces in response to outdated narratives. The accessibility of online platforms has empowered fans to craft stories that reflect diverse identities and experiences, breaking free from the limitations imposed by the original canon. Taylor Swift’s songwriting serves as a powerful catalyst for this intersectionality, allowing fans from both the Harry Potter and Taylor Swift communities to find common ground in themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience. The parasocial relationships that fanfiction writers and readers cultivate with her music underscore a longing for connection and validation in a world where many feel marginalized. This creative constructive interaction not only enriches the Marauders fandom but also stands as a poignant counterpoint to the problematic legacy of J.K. Rowling, encouraging fans to envision narratives that celebrate inclusivity and authenticity. Through writing and sharing, fans are not merely reimagining established stories but constructing vibrant communities prioritizing understanding, acceptance, and shared experiences, ultimately transforming the fandom landscape.