I'm not fond of non-magical au in HP. I think the only two I read were both femme's Black Coffee and that Snape is a priest one? both AMAZING but ymmv. but as a rule, I didn't read AUs that were not based in the HP 'verse. They do nothing for me and I just 'don't see the point'. I like HP verse and want to stay in it! LOL.

However I feel completely differently about Merlin. For one thing, there is the whole reincarnation thing that is part of legend. So there is a whole chunk of modern au that are reincarnations of M/A where they remember themselves from back then. Great reads. Very epic.

Then even without the reincarnation thing, the legend is really wrapped up in the whole Merlin is immortal and Arthur will return so even a fic that does not actually have 'reincarnation' in it, part of me as I'm reading is thinking yes - this them, their second chance.

It really works for me.

You don't necessarily have knights and swords, but you can have Arthur as the prince of wales, surrounded by his bodyguards and Merlin the commoner. fab. trope.

Or Arthur the 'movie star' and Merlin his PA.

Or Arthur the CEO and Merlin his secretary.

But Modern AUs are tricky. Characterisation is key, otherwise - what's the point, right?

Anyway - I could talk about this for hours because I was very much like you 'why would anyone want these modern aus?' I love canon!!!! LOL.