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

This month we have a variety of articles and activities to whet the appetite, while you're waiting anxiously for the H/Hr lovefest in Goblet of Fire - AnndeeGranger and Kaia both contributed word-scrambling puzzles, Phoenix Firebolt has some novel-length fics to reccomend, while Gwen wrote up The Anvil's first media review for Wizard's Hall. We have the premiere of a new column called Pumpkin Juice for the Harmonian Soul, alongside an update of our serial parody "Harry Potter and the Holy Horcrux" and this month's Advice Column (featuring the wisdom of a "Bloody-Good-Quidditch-Player"). If you ever been curious about who runs Witherwings.net, be sure to check out PotterMama's report on Jordan Ledoux, our Member of the Month; and while you're there, be sure to read this month's State of the Project Address.

Remember, if you've enjoyed (or loathed) this issue, please drop us an owl and let us know! (Or perhaps stop by our lonely, and neglected forums.)

- The Anvil Staff

- Fanfic Reviews

Phoenix Firebolt's Reviews: Another set of reviews for all you Harmony shippers! I must say, I'm disappointed with the lack of stories posted on Witherwings.net at the moment. I hope that some more will be posted soon! I know we have some great writers out there, so come on all of you - support your ship! Until then, I hope you enjoy my third set of reviews.

- Harry Potter and the Alucinor Dicio by Gidget: H/Hr, mentions of R/LL, books 1-5, R

This story is a wonderful interpretation of how book six could have turned out. Though H/Hr took several chapters to get together, I was very glad for this; since it made their relationship that much more believable. The plot of the story is just great and very entertaining - having Harry deal with many exciting new powers, learning to deal with new people in his life, and handling changes in his relationships with others. Everyone written was very much in character - unless you count Snape (but there's a whole reason the author gives for that, which I would rather not give away). My one complaint with the story was how the final battle was written. It seemed to be over much too quick, and I would have preferred more details. But besides that, it's a wonderful story that continues on into the sequel, Harry Potter's Visum et Disiderium - which I'll review next.

- Harry Potter's Visum et Disiderium by Gidget: H/Hr, mentions of R/LL, books 1-5, NC-17

Gidget's second story follows directly behind Alucinor Dicio; and starts to answer some of the questions that were raised. The grief Harry is experiencing after the battle at Hogwarts is very real, and I sympathized with him greatly for dealing with such a burden. The love between him and Hermione is so sweet and touching, that it makes me smile - especially during the last scene of chapter five. *wink wink* I will say though, you MUST read the Alucinor Dicio or absolutely nothing will make sense in this sequel. A very good read though and very entertaining; I absolutely love how the author is handling the Harry/Snape relationship! Come on, Gidget! Update soon!

- Harry Potter and the Last Horcrux by full_pensieve: H/Hr, mentions of R/Hr and H/G, books 1-6, PG-13

Though it starts out slightly confusing, this version of what could happen in the seventh book is simply intriguing, and very well-written and thought out. I was very caught up in the adventures of the Trio and the extents to which Hermione would sacrifice herself to let Harry live. The relationship between Harry and Hermione is extremely touching - and though there are no signs of love yet, there is, instead, an unbreakable bond and friendship. There are brief mentions of R/Hr and H/G, but this does nothing to destroy the story, but instead makes it more realistic; because it follows and takes into account the sixth book. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this story posted, and I hope the author does so soon! Definitely a must-read for fans of novel-length fanfictions.

- Hazy Shade of Winter by Herminia: One-sided H/Hr, mentions of R/Hr and H/G, books 1-6, G

A very short one-shot, but nicely written all the same. It has more to deal with Harry's point of view and his own feelings for Hermione; showing nothing of Hermione's side to the story. The fight between Harry and Ginny is very well written, though and I could just picture Ginny throwing a fit about Harry's relationship with Hermione in book seven. Even though the reader clearly knows Harry's feelings at the end of the story, you are left hanging as to what will happen next. So, does Hermione love Harry back? Hmmm..I would really like to find out and I'm hoping the author will write a sequel to this piece sometime soon.

- Letting Go by Moonstruck: H/Hr, one-sided R/Hr and H/G, brief mentions of G/N and R/LL, books 1-5, G

There's never any "seen" H/Hr action in this one-shot, but a clear picture of it is drawn by the conversation between Ron and Ginny. Ron is devastated that Hermione has chosen Harry over him, leaving Ginny to literally yell some sense back into her brother. Ron's change throughout the piece is very believable, and I can really see him reacting this way to H/Hr happening in the books. I love how he handles things at the end though, showing to both Harry and Hermione that he is happy for them and knows he must only wait for his right person to come along. Lucky for Ron, that person might be right under his nose! I really liked the writing to this one-shot and simply loved the interaction between Ron and Ginny, both staying very in character. I could really see this scene taking place in book 7, and I'm crossing my fingers that it will.

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

- Community

State of the Project by Gwen

"Member of the Month": Jordan Ledoux, in PotterMama's report, A Chance for Buckbeak's Flight.

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

- Awesome Essay by Professor Granger: Started August 18, 2005 by AnndeeGranger

Elias Tesla: "The real thing I respect about Granger's alchemical theorem is the idea that with the end of the white phase comes the red phase, and things get more involved, Harry-wise. I don't think Harry/Ginny will be back because I feel that the age of idealism has come and gone. JK has said that she tried to make Ginny the ideal girl for Harry (poorly, as many of us feel), but has split them up with Albus' death and the death of idealism."

- How Important Should Harry’s Mourning Be?: Started October 25, 2005 by Ladie-A

Ladie-A: "How is it that Harry grieved for Cedric a lot longer than Sirius, someone who means more to him? How could JK decided to completely cut this out of Harry’s life? Are we supposed to believe that because Harry is a boy, he suppresses his feelings? This, among other things, is what makes me believe that HBP just plain sucked. "

- Prefects: Started October 04, 2005 by fred

fred: "Well, all the prefects in OotP are fifth year. That would be a HUGE coincidence if all prefects of all houses were changed in the same year if your assumption is true.
The more I think about it, the more I think it's a blooper. JKR seems to have quite a problem with counting the years. (see the weasleys age and Bill time at Hogwarts, the age of Tonks, and all those little problems in chronology...)"

- Media Recommendations

Wizard's Hall, reviewed by Gwen.

- Humor

"Harry Potter and the Holy Horcrux", Part Two. If you've haven't read Part One, you can find it here.

Advice Column: Though Ron was busy antagonizing his favorite gal-pal this month, Sage Vale, i_am_delusional, and sun4u were able to catch him for a brief moment to answer your questions.

Dear Ron,

I have these two guy friends. They both like me, but I'm dating one of them, who we'll call... James. The friend I'm not dating (he'll be...Chess) is the jealous type, and he's always been jealous of James' popularity. So how do James and I break it to Chess? Or should we just keep our relationship a secret until we get married?

Sincerely, Only-Likes-Good-Quidditch-Players

Dear OLGQP,

You're full of yourself, aren't you? I know one of those bossy/know-it-all-types. Don’t worry: I’d bet my broom he’s not jealous. He’s probably just annoyed by your attitude! So go “marry” your bloke “James”, already!

Sincerely, A-Bloody-Good-Quidditch-Player

Dearest Ronald,

I like this guy, but I'm not sure if he likes me. I think he, like most people, thinks I'm a bit... "loony". Should I just keep admiring my freckled flame, or should I just give him up?

Sincerely, Watch-Out-For-Nargles

"Dearest" WOFN,

First off, don't call him your "freckled flame" - that would be a major turn-off. Secondly, just "be yourself" - who knows, maybe what people consider "loony" he considers "funny". It worked for my sister - except, well, she had a "little help" from a bottle....

Sincerely, A-Bloody-Good-Freckled-Quidditch-Player

Dear Ron,

My boyfriend recently broke up with me. He dumped me for an ugly bookworm, who has bushy hair and no fashion sense. I miss him so much, and I still love him. My friend said that I was too obsessive and protective over my boyfriend, thus making him run away like a startled deer. She says that I shouldn't have called him 'Won-Won', and that I should've given him something to do with Quidditch instead of a golden necklace saying 'My Sweetheart' on it for Christmas. I thought it was romantic. As a guy, can you give your opinion on what you should've done about my boyfriend?

Sincerely, Broken Hearted Flower

P.S. Are you single?

Dear BHF,

What makes you think he'd go out with some "bushy-haired”, “ugly bookworm"? But your friend is right - a Firebolt 2001 would've been nice. Or my best bloke got a broom servicing kit from his "friend" one Christmas. My advice is: Go back, tell him you're sorry, and if you're hot - give him a good snog.

Sincerely, Ron

PS - If he doesn't want to snog, *I* will.

Dear Ron,

I've been arguing with this crazy guy I know - let's call him "Em" - about how the side-kick is only there for comic relief, and always gets killed off in the end. Don't you agree?

Sincerely, Just-Kidding-Rookies

Dear JKR,

Huh? What do you mean "comic relief"?

Best Wishes, Much-Beloved-Side-Kick-Who-Defeated-A-Troll-And-Kicks-***-in-Wizard's-Chess-and-is-A-Bloody-Good-Freckled-Quidditch-Player

Pumpkin Juice for the Harmonian Soul: This month we've started a new column featuring heart-warming anecdotes, connected to our fave pair, H/Hr. If you'd like to contribute a blurb, please email us at theanvil@theanvilezine.com, or refer to the submissions page.

Everything I ever needed to know I learned from Harry Potter – like how to stick a wand up someone’s nose. Okay, it wasn’t a lesson that I had to learn. However, my (then) four-year-old son found it to be a very informative lesson…

Naturally, when Harry Potter wands became available, they were a must-have item for both of my boys (at the time, ages four and five). Upon purchasing these “wonderful” noisemakers, wizarding battles became the highlight of every day… and every hour, and nearly every minute.

It is no wonder that after watching several wonderful instructional documentaries (Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone x100) that my youngest son found that the quickest way to defeat a bigger opponent (i.e., ogres, giants, older brothers) is to stick a wand up their nose.

Needless to say, my 5-year-old wasn’t amused. I, however, spent a good ten minutes laughing.

- Michael Upton, MN, USA

- Games

- This month's cryptogram, here.

- This month's cryptoquote, here.