Exclusive to Business Insider subscribers, the world of fan fiction is set to gain mainstream recognition in 2025, especially with the anticipated release of SenLinYu's novel, 'Alchemised.' This work reimagines the beloved fan fiction 'Manacled,' which explores a dark romance between the iconic characters of Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, also fondly referred to as 'Dramione' by their fans.

The rise of Dramione fan fiction can be largely attributed to its viral popularity in 2023 and 2024, with stories gaining traction particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. Among these, 'Manacled' stood out as a monumental piece, captivating audiences with its unique take on the characters and its intense narrative. A significant factor in its success is the way it incorporates elements from Margaret Atwood's dystopian classic, 'The Handmaid's Tale.' This allowed for a darker, more complex storyline that diverged from the traditional narratives associated with the Harry Potter universe.

'Manacled' imagines a grim alternate reality where Lord Voldemort has triumphed, leading to Harry Potter's demise and the obliteration of the Order of the Phoenix during a pivotal battle in Hogwarts. Following the war, Hermione Granger, who played a crucial role as a healer, finds herself imprisoned by the horrid Dolores Umbridge, stripped of her magic and haunted by fragmented memories. In this twisted universe, the remaining witches become unwilling surrogates for dark wizards, reflecting themes reminiscent of Atwood's work. The plot thickens further when Hermione realizes that Draco Malfoy is the High Reeve tasked with her oversight, leading to an unexpected bond that unveils buried truths about the war and their intertwined fates.

Originally published in installments between 2018 and 2019 on the fan fiction platform Archive of Our Own (Ao3), 'Manacled' garnered millions of hits and created an extensive following. It saw a resurgence in 2023 when it became a sensation on BookTok, drawing in a new generation of readers. Consequently, in preparation for the release of 'Alchemised,' 'Manacled' was removed from Ao3 to make way for this new iteration.

In a revealing interview with Today in February 2024, SenLinYu expressed their motivation for transforming 'Manacled' into an original novel, stating that the viral success of the fan fiction provided a unique opportunity to reclaim and rework the narrative. The author aims to preserve the original for its deserving fandom while allowing them the chance to experience a revitalized version that aligns more closely with SenLinYu's artistic vision.

'Alchemised' follows the journey of Helena Marino, an alchemist and healer whose past is shrouded in mystery after being captured by necromancers during a rebellion. Similar to Hermione, Helena struggles with amnesia concerning her imprisonment, which raises alarming questions about her experience. The necromancers, anxious to uncover her secrets, send her to the High Reeve, Kaine, who is tasked with probing into her mind. Both characters harbor hidden truths, setting them on a perilous path filled with intrigue and unexpected revelations.

Due to legal constraints, 'Alchemised' cannot directly reference the Harry Potter universe or the themes from 'The Handmaid's Tale.' Nevertheless, while it sheds some elements from its predecessor, the essence of the narrative remains intact, with magical themes evolving into necromancy and alchemy. The cover art, depicting a woman in a crimson cloak walking toward a mansion, subtly evokes imagery from Atwood's original tale, hinting at its inspirations.

Scheduled for release on September 30, 2025, 'Alchemised' is not the only fan fiction adaptation making waves in the literary world. In July of the same year, Julie Soto will unveil 'Rose in Chains,' based on her popular fan fiction, 'The Auction.' Also joining the ranks is Brigitte Knightley, with 'The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy,' inspired by her celebrated work, 'Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love.' As fan fiction continues to break into mainstream literature, the impact and influence of these narratives cannot be overstated.