Hello, and welcome to the October issue of "The Anvil"!

This month we've started a few new columns, with PotterMama reporting on our "Member of the Month", and Luna stopping by to kick off our Advice Column. We, of course, have some lovely new fanfic picks for you, while Gwen decided to contribute another essay. As icing on the cake, AnndeeGranger created a nifty word search, and The Anvil finally has the first part of its serial parody, "Harry Potter and the Holy Horcrux" up and running. And don't forget - if you're curious about Project Harmony news, check out this month's State of the Project address, for details.

And remember, if you've enjoyed (or loathed) this issue, please drop us an owl and let us know!

- The Anvil Staff

- Fanfic Reviews

Phoenix Firebolt's Reviews:Well, here are my fanfic choices for the second edition of The Anvil. Not that any of you have to agree with me, but I like to think I make good choices! And I have to say, start posting more fanfics all you writers - we need more choices!

- It's Always Been There by Croyez: H/Hr, books 1-6, G

This is a beautiful and simple one-shot that I just love to read when the mood strikes me. It reminds me of one of my own stories (shameless plug here!), but that's not why I picked it. I love that the setting for it is in the snow; and it's so cute how Harry tells Hermione that he loves her. I love stories where words aren't necessarily needed for the characters to get their meaning across. Both Harry and Hermione are very much in character, and I love the journal entry at the beginning. Just a sweet and fluffy piece of work that makes you smile because of the H/Hr goodness!

- Reflections by Gidget: Dumbledore, books 1-6, G

I have to recommend one of Gidget's after she was so kind to do that for me last time! (*blushes* Thanks for the kind words!) This was an entry for the Acid Pops Competition, and I think it was a very good one-shot on Dumbledore's thoughts. I can just imagine him thinking about the smaller things he did in life, rather than all of the huge accomplishments that made him famous in the Wizarding World. I love how he refers to loving Harry like a son - *sniff*, so sweet! His concern for Harry finding love is beautiful as well. I just think this is a little piece really worth one's time. The quote at the end wraps the whole thing up nicely, too. So, go take a look!

- The Return by sticknsnitches: Trio, H/Hr, books 1-6, PG

As you can probably tell by now, I have a strange affinity for one-shots. *grins guiltily* I just think so much beautiful writing and characterization can be captured in a one-shot, and this piece is no exception. It's about the return of the Trio from the final battle that vanquished Voldemort - simple, but the emotion is conveyed very well. I like how the author has explained the "break-ups" of Harry/Ginny and Ron/Hermione, not making any character out to be the "bad" person. Harry and Hermione's love for each other is seen as something that was always there, and I love stories like that. All in all, this is a great piece of work and I highly recommend it!

Disagree with the fanfic choices? Or do you think our reviewers are brilliant? Discuss the fanfiction here.

- Essays

Scenes That Should've Been Ginny's by Gwen

Disagree? Agree? Just want to debate? Discuss the essays here.

- Community

State of the Project by Gwen

"Member of the Month": Romulus Lupin, in PotterMama's first report, Disillusioned, But Still Delusional.

Some interesting forum topics in the last month, compiled by Gwen:

- Wandering the net: Started September 25, 2005 by fred

Jordan: "....Our biggest mistake was expecting one person to figure out issues which society as a whole can barely figure out."

- Rowling and Women: Started September 29, 2005 by Gwen

Gwen: "I don't think Tonks represents plastic surgery, for one. But I do think a lot of the strong female characters were taken down a notch in HBP, while superficiality/Ginny were elevated and put on a pedestal"

- Humor

"Harry Potter and the Holy Horcrux", Part One.

Advice Column: This month Sage Vale, i_am_delusional, and sun4u were able to catch Luna for a brief moment, and have her answer an owl or two.

Dear Luna,

I have a cold - my sinuses are congested, and my head's all fuzzy. What do you suggest I take?

Sincerely, Sick Swiss

Dear SS,

Oh no, no, no - it is definitely not a cold. Most likely it's a few wrackspurts that have crawled in your ear, and addled your brain. Cold medicine won't work, but if you throw butterbeer over your left shoulder (as they enter through the right, and only go straight forward), they get attracted to it and fly right out. Just make sure to keep a few ear plugs handy, to prevent them from coming back in.

Sincerely, Luna

Dear Luna,

My date ran away from me at Slughorn's Christmas party. All I did was talk about Quidditch and how good I was... Is it me, or is it her? I even heard she went to talk to Harry Potter, but I know I'm much better looking than he is.

Sincerely, Should've-Been-Keeper

Dear SBK,

You're probably not more handsome than Harry - because I was there, and there was definitely no one in the room better looking than him. However, there was this guy leering after a friend of mine - though you probably don't look as good as Harry, hopefully you're not as wretched as him. However, I agree - what's more exciting than Quidditch? Especially with Ronald as Gryffindor keeper. But instead of thinking you're boring, perhaps your date ran into Scrimgeour; who's actually a vampire, and a powerful one at that. He probably tried mind manipulation. Next time you're at a party with him, have your date wear garlic.

Sincerely, Luna

- Games

- This month's word search, here.

Having trouble? Want hints? Talk about the puzzles here.