The Split Revealed!

If you, fearless reader (singular, if you exist at all) do not wish to know the point at which Part 1 of Deathly Hallows will end, leaving us hanging for 6 months, stop reading.

Are you sure you want to know? I was not sure that I did. I hesitated for a full 30 seconds, and then the curiosity was entirely too much for me and I caved. I clicked on that highlighted text in the Mugglenet article that would reveal what anyone reading the Entertainment Weekly article already knew. We had guessed Ron's departure, the Silver Doe, the Lovegood's house, Malfoy Manor, Dobby's death, and just about every other point from halfway up until the arrival of the trio at Hogwarts, but WB had kept a lid on things. And then casually, thrown into the article out it came. The first film would end with Voldemort obtaining the Elder Wand from Dumbledore's tomb.

My instant reaction? Brilliant. It's eerie and powerful. We've hardly recovered from Dobby's death and now have to deal with this new, seemingly unsurmountable challenge. On further thought, not only to I think this is a good choice, I am certain this is the best choice. I think it was best noted on the Mugglecast immediately following the release, but this is a true game-changing moment in the book. The trio has finally been making progress with regard to the horcruxes. While there is still a constant threat and immense tragedy felt at almost every turn, they seem to have some momentum and some confidence on where to find the next horcrux, not to mention a means of destroying it. However, having learned of the powerful and legendary Elder Wand, they completely understand what it means for Voldemort to obtain it. It seems to erase any gains they have made, but they have to press on regardless. Emotions are high and we know there is a great deal of action remaining, and that there may even still be a trick or two up J.K. Rowling's sleeve that will allow our hero to succeed. This is a great point to start part 2 as well, with some downtime at Shell Cottage while the break-in to Gringott's is planned.

Well done Mr. Kloves and all involved.

Additional Note: While it seemed a little strange that this would be revealed a few months out, and so casually, that mystery seems to have been partially explained. Over the weekend there was a screening of part 1 in Chicago, reviews of which are available on both Mugglenet and The Leaky Cauldron. Spoilers included of course. I haven't decided if I want to read them or not... yet.