Wand Components:• All Wands must contain a minimum of one Wood and one Core. However they can have a

dual-core (e.g. Double phoenix feather) or a blended core (e.g. Phoenix feather and dragon heartstring) in their wand. Even three if needed (advised to be lesser cores at least) Although, it is ill advised to have more than two cores as that can cause fatal backfires.

• While its not possible to blend the wood of the Wand, you may have a Wand Handle of one wood and a Body Wood of another. Normally in these cases, the Handle represents the Heartof the Witch or Wizard. The Body of the wand generally represents the Witch or Wizards outward appearance. In rare cases a wand may have three woods, to which the third would be either set as decoration or hidden inside to cover the core.

Flexibility:• The flexibility of a wand is generally a measurement of its willingness to work for its chosen

Witch or Wizard. A witch with a whippy wand might learn spells faster than a wizard with a rigid wand, but the wizard with a rigid wand will have more spell strength once he finally masters it. Rigid and inflexible wands are the hardest to master, but dependent on their core and wood, can be the most powerful. There is also an element of material inherent- it is rare to find a whippy mahogany wand or a stiff reed wand.

The scale, from speed to strength:-whippy < easiest to learn and cast, least powerful-swishy-flexible-springy-sturdy-inflexible-rigid < hardest to learn and cast, most powerful

Inches• Because numbers have known magical properties, a wand's length, much like its core, may

symbolize something its owner. For example, the wand of Tom Riddle, a reputed Dark wizard, measures 13½ inches, and thirteen is commonly an omen of misfortune or evil in thefolklore and religion of various cultures around the world.

• Wands that are unusually short, anything less than 9", tend to belong to people "lacking" in personalities, Dolores Umbridge being a known example.

• Wands are generally 9 to 14 inches in length although they can be as short as 7 inches and aslong as 18 inches.

Wood • Most of the main woods are based on the Celtic Tree Astrology Signs that match a wizards

birthday ( http://www.whats-your-sign.com/celtic-tree-astrology.html ), but it's not set in stone that the exact birth tree has to be used, as there are many more woods listed officially.

Acacia: Wands made from acacia were difficult to match with a wizard and generally refused to produce magic for anyone but their owners, but conversely, seemed to withhold their full power from all but the most gifted wizards. As such, Ollivander only kept a small supply of acacia wands in his shop. Owners of acacia wands were generally subtle wizards.

Alder: Whilst alder makes for an unyielding wood, its ideal owner is not stubborn or obstinate, but often helpful, considerate and most likeable. Whereas most wand woods seek similarity in the characters of those they will best serve, alder is unusual in that it seems to desire a nature that is, if not precisely opposite to its own, then certainly of a markedly different type. When an alder wand ishappily placed, it becomes a magnificent, loyal helpmate. Of all wand types, alder is best suited to non-verbal spell work, whence comes its reputation for being suitable only for the most advanced witches and wizards. Alder is also excellent for protection against outside forces, and, when combined with phoenix feather, is a suitable match for a wizard who will "make their mark on this world". Alder is extremely rare, as many wandmakers will refuse to take wood from an alder. The ‘bleeding’, turning from white to red, is considered to be inauspicious. The few wands made of alder are often those with strongly opposing cores (such as doxy wings and phoenix feather), as the wood imposes balance.

Apple: Applewood wands are not made in great numbers. They are powerful and best suited to an owner of high aims and ideals, as this wood mixes poorly with Dark Arts. It is said that the possessor of an apple wand will be well-loved and long-lived, an assertion supported by the fact that Garrick Ollivander often met customers of great personal charm to find their perfect match in an applewood wand. Apple is a gentle, outdoorsy wood that would find favour with a student skilledin Herbology or Care of Magical Creatures. It tends to get overwhelmed easily, and is thus rarely used with powerful cores (Dragon heartstrings or phoenix feathers, for example). An unusual abilityto converse with other magical beings in their native tongues is often found among apple wand owners, who include the celebrated author of “Merpeople: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Language and Customs” by Dylan Marwood

Ash: The ash wand clings to its one true master and ought not to be passed on or gifted from the original owner, because it will lose power and skill. This tendency is extreme if the core is of unicorn hair. Old superstitions regarding wands rarely bear close examination, but it is believed thatthe old rhyme regarding rowan, chestnut, ash and hazel wands (“rowan gossips, chestnut drones, ash is stubborn, hazel moans”) contains a small nugget of truth. Those witches and wizards best suited to ash wands are not lightly swayed from their beliefs or purposes. Ash is slightly associated with the Dark Arts, as the ash tree is said to ‘strangle’ the plants around it. It does excel at Dark magic, but is also good for Transfiguration. They also tend to bond to good Diviners. However, the brash or over-confident witch or wizard, who often insists on trying wands of this prestigious wood,will be disappointed by its effects. The ideal owner may be stubborn, and will certainly be courageous, but never crass or arrogant.

Aspen: Wand-quality aspen wood is white and fine-grained, and highly prized by all wand-makers for its stylish resemblance to ivory and its usually outstanding charmwork. The proper owner of the aspen wand is often an accomplished duellist, or destined to be so, for the aspen wand is one of those particularly suited to martial magic. Those with aspen wands tend to be defiant and talkative. This wand boosts power in Charms, but detracts from Healing magic. Garrick Ollivander often found that aspen wand owners are generally strong-minded and determined, more likely than most to be attracted by quests and new orders; this is a wand for revolutionaries.

Beech: The true match for a beech wand will be, if young, wise beyond his or her years, and if full-grown, rich in understanding and experience. beech wands perform very weakly for the narrow-minded and intolerant. Such wizards and witches, having obtained a beech wand without having been suitably matched (yet coveting this most desirable and highly prized wand wood), have often presented themselves at the homes of learned wandmakers, demanding to know the reason for their handsome wand’s lack of power. When properly matched, the beech wand is capable of a subtlety and artistry rarely seen in any other wood, hence its lustrous reputation. beech is a strong, neutral wood that has no particular strengths or weaknesses, with the exception of one small quirk- it tends

to function less effectively underwater.

Birch: Closely aligned with the element of water, the birch wand is used in many cleansing rituals. Birch is a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and diligence. Some say this wood helps aid in the calming ofemotions and the bark helps to heal wounds and burns. Many use or have used, birch wands to expel evil spirits. Controlled by Moon influences to include; Lunar-based spells, healing, and protection. although it has a reputation for weakness, in actuality birch is one of the finest Light wandwoods in existence. It is associated with both driving out evil spirits (and thus will produce a strong Patronus) and with healing magic.

Black Ironwood: an African import, remarkable in that it will sink rather than float in water. Although its strength might imply a powerful wandwood, it is rarely used, even in African wandcraft- its weight, particularly in longer wands, impedes spellcasting, and it is next-to-useless underwater.

Blackthorn: Blackthorn, which is a very unusual wand wood, has the reputation - in Garrick Ollivander's opinion well-merited - of being best suited to a warrior. This does not necessarily meanthat its owner practises the Dark Arts (although it is undeniable that those who do so will enjoy the blackthorn wand’s prodigious power); one finds blackthorn wands among the Aurors as well as among the denizens of Azkaban and Death Eaters. It is a curious feature of the blackthorn bush, which sports wicked thorns, that it produces its sweetest berries after the hardest frosts, and the wands made from this wood appear to need to pass through danger or hardship with their owners to become truly bonded. Given this condition, the blackthorn wand will become as loyal and faithful a servant as one could wish.

Black Walnut: Less common than the standard walnut wand, that of black walnut seeks a master of good instincts and powerful insight. Black walnut is a very handsome wood, but not the easiest to master. It has one pronounced quirk, which is that it is abnormally attuned to inner conflict, and loses power dramatically if its possessor practises any form of self-deception. If the witch or wizardis unable or unwilling to be honest with themselves or others, the wand often fails to perform adequately and must be matched with a new owner if it is to regain its former prowess. Paired with a sincere, self-aware owner, however, it becomes one of the most loyal and impressive wands of all,with a particular flair in all kinds of charmwork. a beautiful dark wood, this wand is more decorative than Dark, and is actually a strong Light wood.

Blue Spruce: Like spruce, a strong wood that excels in everything except the Dark Arts. However, awitch or wizard with a strong personality can coax more out of a blue spruce wand than a spruce one.

Cedar: Garrick Ollivander believed that whenever he met one who carries a cedar wand, he found strength of character and unusual loyalty. His father, Gervaise Ollivander, used always to say, “you will never fool the cedar carrier” and he agrees: the cedar wand finds its perfect home where there isperspicacity and perception. Ollivander said that he would go further than his father, however, in saying that he has never yet met the owner of a cedar wand whom he would care to cross, especiallyif harm is done to those of whom they are fond. The witch or wizard who is well-matched with cedar carries the potential to be a frightening adversary, which often comes as a shock to those who have thoughtlessly challenged them. Cedar is a rather docile wandwood with particular skill in protective spells. Cedar wand wielders often become potent Occlumens.

Cherry: Cherry is very rare wand wood that makes for a wand of strange power, most highly prized by the wizarding students of the school of Mahoutokoro in Japan, where those who own cherry wands have special prestige. The Western wand-purchaser should dispel from their minds any

notion that the pink blossom of the living tree makes for a frivolous or merely ornamental wand, forcherry wood often makes a wand that possesses truly lethal power, whatever the core - though if paired with dragon heartstring, the wand ought never to be teamed with a wizard without exceptional self-control and strength of mind or it quickly can turn Dark, willingly or not. Cherry with phoenix feather is a particularly agreeable combination for a Light wizard without particularly prodigious magical talents.

Chestnut: Chestnut is a most curious wood that little character or traits of its own other than its attraction to witches and wizards who are skilled tamers of magical beasts, those who possess great gifts in Herbology, and those who are natural fliers. Instead, the wand of chestnut tends to take on character of the wand core and the owner. For example, when paired with dragon heartstring, chestnut wands may find their best match among those who are overfond of luxury and material things, and less scrupulous than they should be about how they are obtained. Conversely, three successive heads of the Wizengamot have possessed chestnut and unicorn wands, for this combination shows a predilection for those concerned with all manner of justice. Chestnut is quite good at Transfiguration, although it tends to sputter at Charms and DADA.

Cypress: Cypress is associated with valour. Geraint Ollivander, wrote that he was always honoured to match a cypress wand, for he knew he was meeting a witch or wizard who would die a heroic death. Fortunately, in these less blood-thirsty times, the possessors of cypress wands are rarely called upon to lay down their lives, though doubtless many of them would do so if required. Wands of cypress find their soul mates among the brave, the bold and the self-sacrificing: those who are unafraid to confront the shadows in their own and others’ natures. Cypresses have long been associated with the Greek god of the underworld, Hades. This wand has subtle power, and is good atTransfiguration and Dark Arts.

Dogwood: Dogwood wands are quirky and mischievous; they have playful natures and insist upon partners who can provide them with scope for excitement and fun. Dogwood is extremely hard and strong, and the wands made from it will have this resilience. It was once used for making daggers, and hence has a slight violent streak. It would be quite wrong, however, to deduce from this that dogwood wands are not capable of serious magic when called upon to do so; they have been known to perform outstanding spells under difficult conditions, and when paired with a suitably clever and ingenious witch or wizard, can produce dazzling enchantments. An interesting foible of many dogwood wands is that they refuse to perform non-verbal spells and they are often rather noisy.

Ebony: This jet-black wand wood has an impressive appearance and reputation, being highly suited to all manner of combative magic, and to Transfiguration. Ebony is happiest in the hand of those with the courage to be themselves. Frequently non-conformist, highly individual or comfortable with the status of outsider, ebony wand owners have been found both among the ranks of the Order of the Phoenix and among the Death Eaters. In the experience of Garrick Ollivander, the ebony wand’s perfect match is one who will hold fast to his or her beliefs, no matter what the external pressure, and will not be swayed lightly from their purpose.

Elder: The rarest wand wood of all, and reputed to be deeply unlucky, elder wands are trickier to master than any other. They contain powerful magic, but scorn to remain with any owner who is notthe superior of his or her company; it takes a remarkable wizard to keep an elder wand for any length of time. The old superstition, ‘wand of elder, never prosper,’ has its basis in this fear of the wand, but in fact, the superstition is baseless, and those foolish wandmakers who refuse to work with elder do so more because they doubt they will be able to sell their products than from fear of working with this wood. The truth is that only a highly unusual person will find their perfect match in elder, and on the rare occasion when such a pairing occurs, it may be taken as certain that the witch or wizard in question is marked out for a special destiny. Interestingly Garrick Ollivander

found that the owners of elder wands almost always feel a powerful affinity with those chosen by rowan.

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus trees grow quickly, so these wands channel that liveliness to be both willingand powerful, along with being great at healing spells. However, they are rather rare, and are most commonly Australian imports.

Elm: The unfounded belief that only pure-bloods can produce magic from elm wands was undoubtedly started by some elm wand owner seeking to prove his own blood credentials, for perfect matches between elm wands and Muggle-borns are known to exist. The truth is that elm wands prefer owners with presence, magical dexterity and a certain native dignity. Of all wand woods, elm - in the experience of Garrick Ollivander - produces the fewest accidents, the least foolish errors, and the most elegant charms and spells; these are sophisticated wands, capable of highly advanced magic in the right hands (which, again, makes it highly desirable to those who espouse the pure-blood philosophy)

Fir: Gerbold Octavius Ollivander, always called wands of fir wood ‘the survivor’s wand,’ because he had sold it to three wizards who subsequently passed through mortal peril unscathed. There is no doubt that this wood, coming as it does from the most resilient of trees, produces wands that demand staying power and strength of purpose in their true owners, and that they are poor tools in the hands of the changeable and indecisive. Fir wands are particularly suited to transfiguration, and favour owners of focused, strong-minded and, occasionally, intimidating demeanour.

Gingko: This is a highly unusual wandwood, and is rarely seen in the West. For over a millenium, itcompeted with plum as the most popular Chinese wandwood, however, as gingko trees ceased to bea wild species, the wood began losing favor. The commonly held perception that wild woods lead tostronger wands means that modern gingko wands are fairly rare. This is not to say that gingko is nota useful wandwood, it has great staying power, and is good for calming temperamental cores.

Harthorn: The wandmaker Gregorovitch wrote that hawthorn ‘makes a strange, contradictory wand,as full of paradoxes as the tree that gave it birth, whose leaves and blossoms heal, and yet whose cutbranches smell of death.’ While he and Garrick Ollivander disagreed on many fronts, they concurred about hawthorn wands, which are complex and intriguing in their natures, just like the owners who best suit them. Hawthorn wands may be particularly suited to healing magic, but they are also adept at curses, and it has been generally observed that the hawthorn wand seems most at home with a conflicted nature, or with a witch or wizard passing through a period of turmoil. Hawthorn is not easy to master, however, and one should only ever consider placing a hawthorn wand in the hands of a witch or wizard of proven talent, or the consequences might be dangerous. Hawthorn wands have a notable peculiarity, their spells can, when badly handled, backfire. It is an excellent DADA wand, as it symbolizes protection.

Hazel: A sensitive wand, hazel often reflects its owner’s emotional state, and works best for a master who understands and can manage their own feelings. Others should be very careful handling a hazel wand if its owner has recently lost their temper, or suffered a serious disappointment, because the wand will absorb such energy and discharge it unpredictably. The positive aspect of a hazel wand more than makes up for such minor discomforts, however, for it is capable of outstanding magic in the hands of the skillful, and is so devoted to its owner that it often ‘wilts’ (which is to say, it expels all its magic and refuses to perform, often necessitating the extraction of the core and its insertion into another casing, if the wand is still required) at the end of its master’s life (if the core is unicorn hair, however, there is no hope; the wand will almost certainly have ‘died’). Hazel wands also have the unique ability to detect water underground, and will emit silvery,tear-shaped puffs of smoke if passing over concealed springs and wells.

Hemlock: Hemlock is a ‘quick’ wandwood and allows for fast reactions, and makes an excellent potion stirrer as well as having a natural gift for healing.

Holly: Holly is one of the rarer kinds of wand woods; traditionally considered protective, it works most happily for those who may need help overcoming a tendency to anger and impetuosity. At the same time, holly wands often choose owners who are engaged in some dangerous and often spiritual quest. Holly is one of those woods that varies most dramatically in performance depending on the wand core, and it is a notoriously difficult wood to team with phoenix feather, as the wood’s volatility conflicts strangely with the phoenix’s detachment. In the unusual event of such a pairing finding its ideal match, however, nothing and nobody should stand in their way. Wizarding superstition holds that those with a wand made of holly are incompatible with those with a wand made of oak and should not marry. Being the archetypal Light wandwood, Holly is renowned for itsability to repel dark spirits and demons. It may reduce your power in hexes, but the boost you get to DADA may just balance it out.

Hornbeam: Hornbeam selects for its life mate the talented witch or wizard with a single, pure passion, which some might call obsession - more kindly - vision, which will almost always be realised. Hornbeam wands adapt more quickly than almost any other to their owner’s style of magic, and will become so personalised, so quickly, that other people will find them extremely difficult to use even for the most simple of spells. Hornbeam, or ironwood, is considered to be the most stubborn of wandwoods. Those who have the necessary will to master it will be rewarded withan extremely powerful wand. Hornbeam wands likewise absorb their owner’s code of honour, whatever that might be, and will refuse to perform acts - whether for good or ill - that do not tally with their master’s principles. A particularly fine-tuned and sentient wand.

Ivy: Determination, strength, optimism, spiritual growth. Ivy is a fine wand for protection, good against wayward spirits and angry elementals, ensures success in business and all new endeavours. an uncommon wandwood due to the difficulty of harvesting thick enough pieces, it is often worth the trouble, as it is deceptively strong.

Kaya: A lovely yellow wandwood of Japanese origin, it is extremely rare in British wandmaking. However, those bonded to kaya wands will find their abilities in logical arts, such as Potions, Astronomy, Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy, boosted.

Larch: Strong, durable and warm in colour, larch has long been valued as an attractive and powerfulwand wood. Its reputation for instilling courage and confidence in the user has ensured that demandhas always outstripped supply. This much sought-after wand is, however, hard to please in the matter of ideal owners, and trickier to handle than many imagine. Garrick Ollivander found that larch always created wands of hidden talents and unexpected effects, which likewise describes the master who deserves it. It is often the case that the witch or wizard who belongs to the larch wand may never realise the full extent of their considerable talents until paired with it, but that they will then make an exceptional match.

Laurel: It is said that a laurel wand cannot perform a dishonourable act, although in the quest for glory (a not uncommon goal for those best suited to these wands), laurel wands have been known toperform powerful and sometimes lethal magic. Laurel wands are sometimes called fickle, but this isunfair; the laurel wand is unable to tolerate laziness in a possessor, and it is in such conditions that itis most easily and willingly won away. Otherwise, it will cleave happily to its first match forever, and indeed has the unusual and engaging attribute of issuing a spontaneous lightning strike if another witch or wizard attempts to steal it.

Madrona: A beautiful evergreen from the Pacific Northwest region of North America, it is rare in British wandmaking. However, its distinctive peeling bark denotes its magical powers of change- hence, a powerful wood for Transfiguration.

Mahogany: Pliable, excellent for transfiguration and having a little more power in general. Mahogany is a good all-around wood, not particularly over-powerful in any one situation, but a good solid overall wood.

Maple: Maple is a good, sturdy wood, and a bit more magical than oak. It’s rather versatile. nature travellers and explorers; they are not stay-at-home wands, and prefer ambition in their witch or wizard, otherwise their magic grows heavy and lacklustre. Fresh challenges and regular changes of scene cause this wand to literally shine, burnishing itself as it grows, with its partner, in ability and status. This is a beautiful and desirable wood, and wand quality maple has been among the most costly for centuries. Possession of a maple wand has long been a mark of status, because of its reputation as the wand of high achievers.

Oak: Oak is a strong, reliable wandwood that helps with DADA and Transfiguration. However, its sturdiness means that it may take longer to learn new spells. A wand for good times and bad, this is a friend as loyal as the wizard who deserves it. Wands of English oak demand partners of strength, courage and fidelity. Less well-known is the propensity for owners of English oak wands to have powerful intuition, and, often, an affinity with the magic of the natural world, with the creatures andplants that are necessary to wizard kind for both magic and pleasure.

Pear: The golden-toned wood of pear produces wands of splendid magical powers. Possessors of pear wands are, in the experience of Garrick Ollivander, usually popular and well-respected and he never knew of single instance where a pear wand has been discovered in the possession of a Dark witch or wizard. Pear wands are among the most resilient, and it is noted that they may still present a remarkable appearance of newness, even after many years of hard use. The perfect owner of this wand is a small wizard or witch with a temper several times their size. They've got a lovely personality, warm and friendly, until you cross them, then they'll give you such a telling off you'll swear you're being actually whipped.

Pine: The straight-grained pine wand always chooses an independent, individual master who may be perceived as a loner, intriguing and perhaps mysterious. Pine wands enjoy being used creatively, and unlike some others, will adapt without protest to new methods and spells. Many wandmakers insist that pine wands are able to detect, and perform best for, owners who are destined for long lives, including Garrick Ollivander who had never personally known the master of a pine wand to die young. The pine wand is one of those that is most sensitive to non-verbal magic.

Plum: Plum wood is not common in English wandmaking, however, it is a traditional Chinese wandwood that has gained favour in Central Europe. It seems to be much like applewood, if slightlymore inclined to Charms. Poplar: Although poplar is a light wood, it is sometimes found in the wands of Dark Wizards, who find its properties of being extremely similar to human bone desirable.

Redwood: Wand-quality redwood is in short supply, yet constant demand, due to its reputation for bringing good fortune to its owner. As is usually the case with wandlore, the general populace have the truth back to front: redwood wands are not themselves lucky, but are strongly attracted to witches and wizards who already possess the admirable ability to fall on their feet, to make the right choice, to snatch advantage from catastrophe. This wood excels at all wand-based magic, but itrarely bonds to witches and wizards who do well in the non-wand-based arts. Don’t expect this one to make a good potion stirrer

Reed: Reed is always delicate, and a difficult wand to work with. However, its wisdom and intelligence make it sought-after by some. It is almost solely a Ravenclaw wandwood. Reed wands were best suited to those who were bold and were eloquent speakers, and proved to be very protective friends. Coupled with a core of dragon heartstring, the owner's loyalty would be greatly admired by their friends.

Rosewood: This wood has a strong sweet smell, which persists over the years, explaining the name. Rosewood is graceful and will complement phoenix feathers, unicorn hair, veela hair, and fairy wings nicely. However, other cores end up at odds with the wood.

Rowan: Rowan is a prized wand wood due to its reputation for protection, and was noted by GarrickOllivander to generally produce powerful, hard to break Defensive Charms. Rowan was also noted for its believed disassociation with the Dark Arts. Ollivander, who had a nearly photographic memory when it came to the wands he had sold, could not recall a single instance of a wizard he sold a rowan wand to ever becoming evil or turning to the Dark Arts. Perhaps for these reasons, rowan has become associated with pure-hearted wizards, though Ollivander noted that rowan wandscan also match or even outperform others in duels. Ollivander also noted that wizards chosen by rowan wands tend to be compatible with those chosen by elder wands. Rowan gives a definite boostto Charms and Transfiguration, but is one of the most willing and reliable all-around wandwoods. It was commonly used for a bow-making wood, and carries this significance into being a good duelingwood.

Sequoia: Being a American wood, this is not commonly used in British wandmaking. However, the great age of the trees gives them plenty of time to absorb ambient magic, and hence this wood is ideal for those both strong-willed and in touch with nature.

Silver lime: This unusual and highly attractive wand wood was highly fashionable in the nineteenth century. Demand outstripped supply, and unscrupulous wandmakers dyed substandard woods in an effort to fool purchasers into believing that they had purchased silver lime. The reasons for these wands’ desirability lay not only in their unusually handsome appearance, but also because they had a reputation for performing best for Seers and those skilled in Legilimency, mysterious arts both, which consequently gave the possessor of a silver lime wand considerable status.

Spruce: Unskilled wandmakers call spruce a difficult wood, but in doing so they reveal their own ineptitude; it is quite true that it requires particular deftness to work with spruce, which produces wands that are ill-matched with cautious or nervous natures, becoming positively dangerous in fumbling fingers. The spruce wand requires a firm hand, because it often appears to have its own ideas about what magic it ought to be called upon to produce. However, when a spruce wand meets its match - which, in experience, is a bold spell-caster with a good sense of humour - it becomes a superb helper, intensely loyal to their owners and capable of producing particularly flamboyant and dramatic effects. Spruce is a good, reliable, standard wandwood. You can’t go wrong with it.

Sycamore: The sycamore makes a questing wand, eager for new experience and losing brilliance if engaged in mundane activities. It is a quirk of these wands that they may combust if allowed to become ‘bored,’ and many witches and wizards, settling down into middle age, are disconcerted to find their trusty wand bursting into flame in their hand as they ask it, one more time, to fetch their slippers. As may be deduced, the sycamore’s ideal owner is curious, vital and adventurous, and when paired with such an owner, it demonstrates a capacity to learn and adapt that earns it a rightfulplace among the world’s most highly-prized wand woods. A relatively new wandwood, many of sycamore’s properties are as yet unknown. However, it excels at divining, and would help with Divination, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes.

Vine: The druids considered anything with a woody stem as a tree; this, combined with the fact that vine is thought to produce wands of a special nature, means that whilst vines are not actually trees they continue to be used in the production of wands to this day (at least, by Ollivanders). Vinewands are among the less common types, and their owners are nearly always those witches or wizards who seek a greater purpose, who have a vision beyond the ordinary and who frequently astound those who think they know them best. Vine wands seem strongly attracted by personalities with hidden depths, and Garrick Ollivander himself has found them more sensitive than any other when it comes to instantly detecting a prospective match. Reliable sources claim thatthese wands can emit magical effects upon the mere entrance into their room of a suitable owner, and this has been noted to have occurred twice within Ollivanders Wand Shop. Vinewood is flexible, which one might think would denote a yielding wood. However, it tends to be extremely erratic, and it is a strong wizard or witch who overcomes the insecurities the wood holds to become successful with it.

Walnut: Highly intelligent witches and wizards ought to be offered a walnut wand for trial first, because in nine cases out of ten, the two will find in each other their ideal mate. Walnut wands are often found in the hands of magical innovators and inventors; this is a handsome wood possessed ofunusual versatility and adaptability. A note of caution, however: while some woods are difficult to control, and may resist the performance of spells that are foreign to their natures, the walnut wand will, once subjugated, perform any task its owner desires, provided that the user is of sufficient brilliance. This makes for a truly lethal weapon in the hands of a witch or wizard of no conscience, for the wand and the wizard may feed from each other in a particularly unhealthy manner. A beautiful, strong, and versatile wood. Unlike black walnut, it has no slant towards Light or Dark.

White Pine: White pine is a unique wandwood, as it radiates serenity. It cannot be exhausted too much or it will strain and become quite fragile, but it is otherwise docile and easy to work with.

Willow: Willow is known as “the tree of enchantment”, and is hence quite favoured for Charms. It also enhances healing magic, and is overall a willing, feminine wandwood. Willow is an uncommon wand wood with healing power, and Garrick Ollivander noted that the ideal owner for a willow wand often has some (usually unwarranted) insecurity, however well they may try and hide it. While many confident customers insist on trying a willow wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop (attracted by their appearance and well-founded reputation for enabling advanced, non-verbal magic) the willow wands there have consistently selected those of greatest potential, rather than those who feel they have little to learn. It has always been a proverb in the Ollivander family that hewho has furthest to travel will go fastest with willow.

Yew: Yew is a powerful wandwood. Due to its poisonous sap, it has Dark leanings, and is particularly good at Transfiguration. Yew wands are among the rarer kinds, and their ideal matches are likewise unusual, and occasionally notorious. The wand of yew is reputed to endow its possessor with the power of life and death, which might, of course, be said of all wands; and yet yew retains a particularly dark and fearsome reputation in the spheres of duelling and all curses. However, it is untrue to say (as those unlearned in wandlore often do) that those who use yew wands are more likely to be attracted to the Dark Arts than another. The witch or wizard best suited to a yewwand might equally prove a fierce protector of others. Wands made from these most long-lived trees have been found in the possession of heroes quite as often as of villains. Where wizards have been buried with wands of yew, the wand generally sprouts into a tree guarding the dead owner’s grave. What is certain is that the yew wand never chooses either a mediocre or a timid owner.

Core

Common:

Dragon heartstring: Dragon heartstring is a powerful wand with a lot of magical “heft”. It is not the core you want for subtlety, but for sheer power it is definitely the best. Although it is the most common core among Dark Wizards, Dark Wizards are most certainly not their most common users. Dragon heartstrings are by far the most common wand core amongst Slytherins, but their power often bonds to Gryffindors and Ravenclaws as well. However, they tend to overwhelm the archetypal Hufflepuff personality. As a rule, dragon heartstrings produce wands with the most power, capable of the most flamboyant spells. Dragon wands tend to learn quicker than other types. While they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner. The dragon wand tends to be easiest to turn to the Dark Arts, though it will not incline that way of its own accord. It is also the most prone of the main three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental. It also tends to be lethally hazardous if combined with cherry and yew woods.

Phoenix tail feather: Phoenix feather is a popular wand core due to its versatility and power. Its main strength lies in Defense Against the Dark Arts, although its adaptability can wrench it to hexesand jinxes if need be. As with the dragon heartstring core, the phoenix core is common amongst Light Wizards, but its users are not necessarily Light Wizards. This core may specifically impede Dark spells, so it is not common amongst Slytherins. However, it is by far the most common Gryffindor wand core, and is not unusual amongst Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Although being popular, this is one of the rarest core types. Phoenix feathers are capable of the greatest range of magic, though they may take longer than either unicorn hair or dragon heartstring cores to reveal this. They show the most initiative, sometimes acting of their own accord, a quality that many witches and wizards dislike

Unicorn hair: Unicorn hair is a more subtle wand, but it is quite compatible with Charms and Transfiguration. It is also hands-down the best core for healing, as it picks up some of the healing capabilities of unicorn blood. Unicorn hair has a reputation of picking gentler or more cerebral users, so it is common amongst Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. More laid-back Gryffindors and subtler Slytherins may find themselves with a Unicorn hair wand. Unicorn hair can be used in wandmaking; they produce the most consistent magic, least subject to fluctuations and blockages, most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts and the most faithful of wands. However, they do not make the most powerful of wands and are prone to melancholy if mishandled

Exotics:

Acromantula web: If you're thinking about having a wand made with Acromantula web, you're probably a fan of having your wand confiscated by the authorities. Using a wand with this core has been illegal in Britain since 1782, after it was discovered that the wielder of an Acromantula web wand has particular ability with Dark magics, especially the Imperius curse. There are certain diplomatic exceptions, as it is a traditional core for Asian wands, but even those are temporary, and many wizard diplomats on long-term assignments find themselves compelled to procure replacement wands for their stay.

Augurey tail feather: Augureys, or Irish phoenixes, were once associated with powerful Dark wands, as their cries were thought to signify an upcoming death. However, they were in reality never a strong Dark core, and were more accurately a powerful core for Divinations. Misunderstoodstudents may find themselves bonded to an augurey wand, although these wands are altogether quite rare.

Basilisk skin: Basilisk wands are incredibly rare, as the beasts are rare to begin with and hard to kill.Due to the rarity, they often are passed down from generation to generation, so basilisk-core wands are either the heirloom of Slytherin-type Pureblood families or reforged wands from family cores. The occasional new basilisk wand will almost always bond to a Parselmouth or budding Dark Wizard. Very little good comes out of wielders of basilisk wands.

Billywig stinger: Billywig stingers are not common in Britain, but are occasionally imported from Australia, the native habitat of the Billywig. Billywig wands bond almost exclusively to light-hearted pranksters, and are extremely capricious- at one moment it will produce the strongest Cheering Charm in the school, but another time it will object to being used as a potion stirrer and siphon up hours of work without so much as a by-your-leave. When they do bond to a witch or wizard, they tend to be of Hufflepuff or Gryffindor.

Boomslang venom: Boomslang venom, whether crystallized or in a rarer liquid core, provides a small boost to jinxes and hexes thanks to its venomous qualities. However, when a wandmaker undertakes the dangerous task of working with the raw venom, it is generally with the aim of creating a powerful Transfiguration wand. Whether or not the advantages outweigh the risks is not generally agreed upon in wandmaking circles.

Chimera scale fragment: Although chimera scales are magically powerful, they are extremely rare in modern wandcraft. This is not out of any concern for safety, as they are generally considered no more stubborn than hippogriff feathers, and are more stable than Erumpent hide. The fact of the matter is that there are more recorded basilisk slayings in the past fifty years than there are chimera slayings in all of recorded history. This one slaying occurred in Greece over two millenia ago, so what scales were harvested at that time have been degraded, broken, and dispersed. Today, they are only found as parts of heirloom cores, and even then, all such cores are a more common core (often dragon heartstring) with a tiny fragment of scale embedded. Chimera wands are most common in Greece and the Balkans, although as they were circulated through the Mediterranean and former Roman Empire they are found throughout Europe. These wands are prized for their raw power, although they are difficult to control.

Demiguise hair: Demiguise hairs were long considered to not have enough oomph to make a proper wand, but with the advent of multiple cores they have gained favour for their strength in Transfiguration and the subtle arts. When combined with a stronger wand core they make potent wands, however, on their own they can be rather one-dimensional and difficult to use for anything but Transfiguration. They have found favour in students of all Houses, although they may be slightly rarer among the open Hufflepuffs.

Doxy wing: Doxy wings, like the creatures they come from, can be unmanageable and mean-spirited. They are second only to basilisk wands in their abilities with the Dark Arts, and as such these rare wands are most often found in the hands of stubborn Slytherins without the familial connection to obtain a basilisk core.

Erumpent hide: There is a very good reason this is an exotic- Erumpent hide wands are extremely

dangerous, and don't take well to high levels of magic or sharp impacts. They may add a 'punch' to spells when combined with a gentler core, but most wandmakers refuse to work with it completely due to the danger it poses to maker and wielder.

Fairy wing: This core makes for a light, airy wand, and is the absolute best for Charms. They also signify a connection to the mystic, so these wands, despite their relative rarity, are used by nearly half of known witches and wizards with the Sight. Despite their astounding strength in Charms, they are merely average in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration, and will often fail at hexes altogether. As such, they’re not commonly found in Slytherin House, but are common in Hufflepuff. Ravenclaws and Gryffindors may be drawn to this core, although they tend to react better to blends of fairy wings and unicorn hair.

Fwooper feather: Fwooper feather wands are said to be a mark of ill omen for the wizards they bondto, as, like the birds they come from, they are rumoured to slowly drive their wielder mad. Despite their poor reputation, they do well with Charms and Care of Magical Creatures. However, they havea near-inability to cast Quietus. They are commonly combined with another feather core, such as thephoenix for health or the hippogriff for stability.

Hippogriff feather: Hippogriffs are noble animals with a reputation for not taking a slight. These wands require constant respect, and if the wielder does not give it, they can watch its formerly stable and versatile magic backfire on it. It is not the strongest core, but it is one of the most adaptable. These wands are most common amongst Gryffindors, but they are rare overall.

Kelpie mane: Kelpie hairs are incredibly temperamental cores, explaining their rarity. They were once common in Celtic wandmaking, however, the import of demiguise hairs has resulted in them falling out of favour. They have similar qualities to demiguise hair, and are powerful Transfiguration cores when they don't backfire spectacularly. Kelpie hair can be used as a wand core, although it is said to be an inferior substance when compared with Unicorn hair, Phoenix feather and Dragon heartstring. A Kelpie is a shapeshifting water demon native to Britain and Ireland. Able to take any form, they usually take the form of a horse with a bullrush mane. After luring unwary travellers onto their backs, they drag them underwater and eat them, allowing the entrails to float to the surface of the water, which explains the whole temperamental thing.

Veela hair: Veela wands are temperamental like the creatures they come from, and are considered too volatile for a decent wand core in many circles. However, some wizards, particularly those with Veela blood, enjoy the boost it gives to outdoorsy magics, divinations, and Charms. The veela’s inherent intelligence makes finding these wands among the non-Veela blooded most common in Ravenclaw. Since Britain's chief wandmaker, Garrick Ollivander, finds that Veela hair cores make for "temperamental" wands, it is likely that there are few Veela hair wands made in Britain. Since the only known Veela hair wand is from France, it is likely that there is a wandmaker from central Europe, possibly Gregorovitch, who uses Veela hairs as the cores in his wands.

Thestral tail hair: A Thestral tail hair is regarded as an unstable, if not difficult substance to use in wand making, though Veela Hair is also described as such, but has been successfully utilised. It is assumed that one must be able to see Thestrals in order to utilise their hair, and since one must witness death first-hand to see a Thestral, anyone wishing to forge a wand with the hair must witness death, tying in with the story of being "Master of Death." It is unknown if the tail hair would be invisible to a wandmaker who had not seen death, as a Thestral would be, or if it can be seen once its separated from the Thestral. The only known case of this core being used is in the Elder Wand itself, so it's unlikely, unless gifted down or made by the owner, that someone would have a wand of this core.

Kneazle whiskers: Kneazle whiskers can be used in wand cores although they are said to make inferior wands when compared with Unicorn hair, Phoenix feather and Dragon heartstring. Kneazles make great pets so it's safe to say that a wand with this core would be easy to use, even if it may be someone else’s wand.

Troll whisker: Troll whiskers are taken from the facial hairs of trolls. Being quite a magical substance, they can be used as average wand cores, though in modern times it is considered an inferior substance to the common cores.

Koralle: Or, Coral, is very uncommon to see, if only in Europe. These cores are rumoured to be the one of the most balanced wand types, as far as spell casting goes.

Dittany Stalk: Pretty hard to obtained, the plant also is extremely difficult to fuse into a wand, so not a lot of wandmakers tend to bother trying. Although if used as a core, would be one of if not the best at healing spells.