What is an alternate universe really? Is it a mishmash of two different universes? Is it taking canon events and retelling one characters story differently throughout them? Or is it removing certain elements (like magic) and transplanting those characters into a different story genre? Or is it just playing with characters in different professions and/or how they meet and eventually fall in love? Actually it's all of these things! And here are some delightful stories that deserve all the recognition for being stellar AU's.

Simple Minds by @RonsGirlsPatronus-> I don't think Melanie needs any introduction here really. But her combination of when HP meets The Breakfast Club is insanely clever! An unlikely group of six HP characters serve detention and discover they have more in common by the end of the day than they originally think. Melanie makes all of these characters believable in this modern, American universe while also giving unique interpretations to certain aspects of their backstory. So you can tell that there are similarities between characters in both universes, but they don't feel like direct carbon copies. If you're a fan of The Breakfast Club there are some definite Easter Eggs sprinkled throughout. And if you're not, you'll just plain enjoy this one.  

Ladies of Chaos by @fairy of time-> Next gen ladies in flowing gowns running through palaces while yielding swords, cell phones, and wands. Oh and, they're royalty. So I think Lo is rewriting parts of this. But it is still classified as AU and it still has an amazing cast of characters. My favorite thing about this originally was Molly Weasly II as a swordswoman and Victoire Weasley having a major fashion addiction. Not only that but the background information Lo gave the Weasley family in order to justify their royal roots was done brilliantly. Essentially, you won't want to miss out on this one.

Luna Lovegood & the Forgotten Circle by @Frostquill-> Luna as a character is always difficult to write, but Hawksquill does a fabulous job interpreting her in this as a young Seer who discovers a blood magic school. This story starts out with a group of local women, seeking to return to the older ways of magic that go beyond what is taught at Hogwarts. And with Luna at the center as their leader, this study group grows in power and personal bond. Oh and also, there's some young Ginny/Luna love in this too that is super heartwarming. Just do yourself a favor, and read this story!  

no compasses, no signs by @dottie-wan-kenobi-> A Jily Historical AU. The year is 1908 and Lily is a lighthouse keeper and James is an injured sailor, who finds himself stranded on her island with his ragtag crew (Marauders by the way). Look, I know there is only one chapter here, but Dottie totally delivers in it! Her world building is fantastic. I felt totally immersed in this world, and could totally see Lily in this profession. We get an account of her life in a single day that also turns out be quite interesting because a bunch of sailors (the Marauders) show up at the end and absolutely change her life of solitude. Dottie gives everyone a profession that just makes sense with their characters, and the dialogue between them all is so realistic. Go give this story some love, it definitely deserves it! Also Dottie, no pressure to keep going with this, but also please keep going because I love this story! 

and the pieces fall by @flame fairy-> A Jily AU where Lily is a professional Quidditch Trainer and James is a Quidditch Superstar and something happened at Hogwarts that now has Lily totally pissed and irritated at everything James does. Including a surprise trade where he will now be playing on her team. As always Taylor does a great job fleshing out Lily's character and makes her career in this seem totally natural. And well, as for what happens between James and Lily at Hogwarts, you'll just have to keep reading. Taylor's great at introspection and really getting readers to understand these character's emotions and motivations. It's a really great read, so far!