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[wizardingwar]

Each wand is the composite of its wood, its core, and the experience and nature of its owner. Tendencies of each may counterbalance or outweigh the other. A wand is a quasi-sentient being; it does technically have a life span. When a wand dies, it is generally referred to as wilting. Wilting of a wand occurs when the wand expels all magic, inhibiting its further magical use. This phenomenon is particularly known to occur with hazel wands, which often bond so strongly with their true masters that after their owners' death those wands lose all magic. This is curable by replacing the wand core, unless the core was originally of unicorn tail hair in which case there is no hope and the wand will have actually died as opposed to simply wilting.



Acromantula Web: Strengths Excellent at hexes and dark magic. Weaknesses Typically those who used these wands ended up becoming career criminals or back alley merchants of some kind. Other Great Britain banned the use of these wands in 1782. Said to have been suited for skilled witches or wizards who had a dark future.
Ashwinder Egg: Strengths Though one might expect a magical serpent to symbolize darkness, the ashwinder’s ability to thrive in fire makes it a good core for protection spells. Also good in potions and charms. Weaknesses Requires intense concentration at all times to work. Other This core is actually a common ingredient in love potions,and the eggs of an Ashwinder are usually found in the wands of those skilled in the potions. The witches and wizards chosen by Ashwinder wands have surmountable pride and willpower.
Augurey Tail Feather: Strengths Wands with an Augurey Tail Feather are well suited for charms, arithmancy, and divination. Weaknesses These cores were once thought to make "Dark and Evil" wands, but in reality these wands are not strong at dark magic and are not drawn to "Evil" witches or wizards. Other Augurey are typically also called The Irish Phoenix. The owners of these wands are often misunderstood witches or wizards.
Banshee Hair: Strengths The wands made with Banshee Hair make for a deadly dueling wands. Weaknesses These wands are incapable of using healing magic. Other Banshee Hair is one the hardest wand cores obtain for wandcrafting, due to the Banshee's deadly scream.
Basilisk Skin: Strengths Hexes, curses, and dark magic. Weaknesses Protective charms, shield charms. Other Basilisk wands are incredibly rare, as the beasts are rare to begin with and very hard to kill. Wands made with a Basilisk Skin are typically Heirloom Wands, that have been passed down form generation to generation. These wands will almost always bond to a Parselmouth or aspiring Dark Wizard. Very little good comes from those who wield these wands.
Billywig Stinger: Strengths These wand cores will typically produce the strongest Charms. Weaknesses Due to how easily these wands can change their mood, it will often randomly refuse to cast spell or be used at all. Other Billywig stingers make an ideal core for someone with an easygoing, prankster type personality. They are a bit temperamental but produce excellent magic when they are in the mood.
Boomslang Venom: Strengths Boomslang venom, whether crystallized or in a rarer liquid core, provides a small boost to jinxes and hexes. These wands have a tendency to be very strong at Transfiguration. Weaknesses Cannot be used for potions, because the venom can seep out of the wood and contaminate other ingredients. Other Undertaking the process of crafting a wand with Boomslang Venom is very danger, and many Wandmakers find the risk not worth the reward.
Bowtruckle Bark: Strengths A wand with Bowtruckle Bark will boosts nature orientied spells. Weaknesses Bowtruckle Bark does not make for the strongest wand core. Other These cores are best in Rowan wands, as these are the trees that Bowtruckles most commonly guard. It tends to be an even tempered core unless its magic is aimed towards the destruction or harm of trees or plants.
Centaur Hair: Strengths This is considered a wise and powerful core. It is well suited to divination. It can quickly learn new spells. Weaknesses Though it learns spells quickly, it is slow acting, and takes longer than other wands might to cast. It works best with nonverbal casting. Other Centaurs consider it a disgrace for wizards to use their hairs in wands, so these cores are very hard to come by, and not given willingly.
Chimera Scale Fragments: Strengths This wand core is extremely magical and powerful, compared to most common wand core types found today. Weaknesses It is extremely temperamental, and dangerous to tought by anyone other than its master. Other The Chimera is a rare beast to see in present day, making this wand type generally a heirloom wand. Witches and Wizards selected by an Chimera wand will generally have a strong ego and think very highly of themselves.
Chinese Fireball Horn: Strengths Chinese Fireball Horn makes for a versatile wand that is willing to work with it's user in academics. Weaknesses It is not particularly interested in extracurricular activities or dueling, and does not always function properly in these situations. Other These wand cores are not hard to come by, but seldom used in modern wandcrafting. Most of these wands are produced in China.
Demiguise Hair: Strengths This core is excellent for transfiguration and subtle arts. Very reliable and able to do complex magic. Weaknesses Somewhat lacking in general power. Must be coaxed into energy draining magics. Other If overtaxed, this wand will become invisible, leading to owners often losing it.
Doxy Wings: Strengths They are second only to basilisk wands in their ability to channel the Dark Arts. It is also a little known fact that Doxy Wings wands cast very strong Hexes. Weaknesses Doxies are very unmanageable and mean-spirited creatures, therefore the wands they produce have the same characteristics. Other Be careful with this wand. If handled improperly, the magic will burst from the wrong end.
Dragon Heartstring: Strengths As a rule, dragon heartstrings produce wands with the most power, and which are capable of the most flamboyant spells. Dragon wands tend to learn more quickly than other types. Weaknesses It is also the most prone of the three cores to accidents, being somewhat temperamental. Other This must be truly won to comply to a new 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. Used By Bellatrix Lestrange, Garrick Ollivander, Gilderoy Lockhart, Lucius Malfoy, Minerva McGonagall, Peter Pettigrew.
Erumpent Heartstring: Strengths Very good at shields and charms. Weaknesses Erumpent core wands do not take well to high levels of magic or sharp impact spells. Other These wands are hard to find due to how hard it is to kill a Erumpent, since their skin is thick enough to repel spells. Treat this wand with care and it can add an extra bang to your spells.
Fairy Wings: Strengths This core is best suited for charms and light jinxes. Weaknesses Fairy wings are slightly above average at defense against the dark arts. Other Fae are tricksters by nature, and this wand reflects that.
Fwooper Feather: Strengths These cores are incredibly powerful with elemental magics. Weaknesses Fwooper feathers are said to be a mark of ill omen for the witches and wizards they bond to. It is rumored that once a Fwooper Feather wand bonds with its owner, it will slowly begin to drive them mad. OtherThese wand cores are most often combined with another feather core, such as phoenix, for health, or hippogriff, for stability.
Hippogriff Feather: Strengths If they feel respected, they are extremely adaptable. Weaknesses Not particularly powerful. Like the creature, these cores demand constant respect. Other People with this core typically enjoy their solitude and are very slow to trust.
Manticore Stinger: Strengths Manticore Stinger wands give a powerful boost to the Dark Arts and Defensive magic, making it a powerful dueling wand for a dark witch or wizard. Weaknesses The toxin in the stinger has a tendency to leak through the wand-wood, making it useless for brewing most potions. Other A sting from a Manticore will cause instant death, making it a dangerous wand core to acquire for wandcrafting. Manticore's by nature have a strong bloodlust, and it will often bond to a owner with the same bloodlust.
Niffler Whiskers: Strengths They are good at earth based magic, such as location spells, and are second to none at summoning charms. Weaknesses Jinxes, hexes, and curses tend to lack power unless they are cast at something preventing the user from achieving their singular goal. Other These cores tend to result in gentle but driven wands.
Phoenix Feather: Strengths Phoenix feathers are capable of the greatest range of magic, though they may take longer than either unicorn or dragon cores to reveal this. Weaknesses They show the most initiative, sometimes acting of their own accord, a quality that many witches and wizards dislike. Phoenix feather wands are always the pickiest when it comes to potential owners, for the creature from which they are taken is one of the most independent and detached in the world. These wands are the hardest to tame and to personalise, and their allegiance is usually hard won. Other This is the rarest core type. Used By Tom Riddle.
Snidget Feather: Strengths Wands with a Snidget Feather core excel in Charms, Potions, Dueling, and Have the ability to cast spells faster than most other wand cores.Weaknesses The major draw back with this wand core is it's inability to preform proper Transfiguration spells. Other These wand cores are extremely rare due to the Snidget's protected status.These wand's will bond with a witch or wizard who has a glorious and fullfilling future ahead of them.
Thestral hair: Strengths It is extremely powerful, though a thestral hair core is not at all picky about whom it bonds with. It is fantastic for invisibility, levitation, and directional spells. Weaknesses However, it will change allegiance easily. Other This is, perhaps, the most misunderstood core. Thought to be an instrument of death and that it only bonds with evil, this core has generally been avoided by most in the magical community. The thestral, however, is a gentle creature. Used By Albus Dumbledore.
Unicorn Hair: Strengths Unicorn hair generally produces the most consistent magic, and is least subject to fluctuations and blockages. Weaknesses Wands with unicorn cores are generally the most difficult to turn to the Dark Arts. Minor disadvantages of unicorn hair are that they do not make the most powerful wands and that they are prone to melancholy if seriously mishandled, meaning that the hair may 'die' and need replacing. Other They are the most faithful of all wands, and usually remain strongly attached to their first owner, irrespective of whether he or she was an accomplished witch or wizard. Used by Quirines Quirrell, Remus Lupin.
Veela Hair: Strengths When this core bonds strongly, it is impressively powerful in transfiguration, as well as suited for water and air related elemental magic. Weaknesses Unfortunately, it is unpredictable in the hands of someone without Veela blood. Other These cores are rare, and usually family heirlooms. If a hair is plucked from a Veela's head, they die. However, some families of this species, upon the death of a loved one, honor that person by using their hair as a core. The stronger the bond between the wielder and the lost relative, the more docile and powerful it is.

Acacia: Strengths This wood is gifted with fire elemental magics. Weaknesses It withholds all of its best effects from those who are not gifted and usually only produces magic for its owner. Other Rarely used as wand wood, but when used it matches any other for power. Wands made from Acacia are often times hard to match with a witch or wizard.
Alder: Strengths To the right owner, this wand is extremely loyal. Of all wand types, this wand is most suited to non-verbal spell work, which gives it the reputation of being suitable only for the most advanced witches and wizards. Particularly powerful when combined with Phoenix Feather. Weaknesses Because of the natural rigidity of this wood, it is very difficult to master. It is also slower than most other woods when casting. Other The owner of this type of wood is not stubborn or obstinate, but rather helpful, considerate, and kind. Used By Quirines Quirrell
Apple: Strengths The owners of Apple wood wand can often speak to magical creatures in their own native tongue and have a talent for foreign language. Weaknesses This wand definitely doesn’t match with the Dark Arts. Other Like acacia, these wands are also rare and are only suited to people who have high morals and values. The owner of this wand is said to be well-loved and long lived. People with good personal charm also are matched to this wood.
Ash: Strengths These wands are superb when working with animals; particularly dangerous ones, as long as the intent is not to harm the creature. Weaknesses If passed down or gifted to another owner, the wand will lose a great deal of power and skill, especially if paired with unicorn hair. Other The ideal owner is courageous and definitely stubborn. Owners of these wands are never crass or arrogant.
Aspen: Strengths This wood does outstanding work with charms, and is also suited to accomplished duelists or people destined to become such. Weaknesses This wand is not suited to any nature related magic. Other Owners of these wands are strong-minded and opinionated and are known as revolutionists. Wand-quality aspen wood is highly prized by all wandmakers, for its resemblance to ivory.
Beech: Strengths When properly matched this wand is known for its artistry and subtlety. Weaknesses Not particularly strong with combative magic. Other A young owner is known to be wise beyond their years, while an older owner is full of knowledge and understanding. These wands are not for the narrow minded or intolerant people.
Birch: Strengths It is associated with both driving out evil spirits, and thus will produce a strong Patronus, and with healing magic. Weaknesses This wood cannot be be used for dark magic of any sort, unless it is used for purely defensive purposes. Other Although it has a reputation for weakness, in actuality birch is one of the finest Light wandwoods in existence.
Blackthorn: Strengths Though not necessarily related to the Dark Arts, people who practice the Dark Arts revel in its power. Weaknesses This type of wand needs to go through a hardship with its owner before truly being bonded, but once it does it is extremely loyal and faithful. Other this wood is also rare and is best suited to warriors. You will see this wood most often in aurors and the denizens of Azkaban.
Black Ironwood: Strengths This wood is powerful in defensive magic and transfiguration. Weaknesses Its weight, particularly in longer wands, impedes spellcasting, and it is virtually useless underwater. Other This is 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.
Black Walnut: Strengths When paired with the right owner the wand is one of the most impressive and loyal wands of all, with a flair for charmwork. Weaknesses It looses power when it detects inner turmoil or when a person lies to themselves or others. Other Less common than regular walnut, this wood likes an owner with powerful insight and good instincts.A beautiful dark wood, this wand is more decorative than Dark, and is actually a strong Light wood. Black walnuts produce a chemical that kills poisonous plants of the Nightshade family.
Blue spruce: Strengths Generally suited for most magics. Weaknesses Like spruce, a strong wood that excels in everything except the Dark Arts. Other A witch or wizard with a strong personality can coax more out of a blue spruce wand than a spruce one.
Cedar: Strengths Well suited for defensive magics or even the dark arts. Weaknesses However, this wood is abysmal at charms work. Other Owners of this wand have strength of character and unusual loyalty. These wands have homes with those who are perceptive and when crossed the owners of these wands are usually frightening adversaries.
Cherry: Strengths Very rare, this wand possesses truly lethal power. Best suited for offensive and combative magics. Weaknesses Unfortunately, this wand isn't really good at any other kind of magic. Other This wood has a tendency to fail at most basic spellwork, though works well with complicated casting. The harder the spell, the better this wand will work. Used By Gilderoy Lockhart.
Chestnut: Strengths Possesses great skill in care of magical creatures, transfiguration, and herbology. Weaknesses Not very useful in combative or offensive magics. Other This wood is attracted to people who can tame magical beasts or are natural fliers. Used By Peter Pettigrew.
Cypress: Strengths Very powerful for transfiguration, combative magics, and charm work. Weaknesses It is not well suited for nature or academic persuits. Other This wood is associated with nobility, and tends to find matches in brave, bold, or self-sacrificing people. Used By Remus Lupin.
Dogwood: Strengths One of the few woods good for both strength and speed. Weaknesses These wands are rather noisy and refuse to do non-verbal spells. Other Owners of these wands are quirky and entertaining, but when the time calls for it though they can also be extremely serious wands and do difficult spells.
Ebony Strengths Ebony works well with transfiguration and potions, as well as mind magics. Known for being both powerful and preternaturally fast at spell work. Weaknesses The weak willed cannot control this wand. It requires high levels of concentration to function properly. Other It is usually best suited for intellects. Owners of this wand hold fast to what they believe and usually cannot be swayed from their beliefs.
Elder Strengths It is said that the owner of the wand will have a great destiny. Weaknesses The rarest wand wood of all, this wand is tricky to master, and is supposedly unlucky. Other The Death Stick, also known as the Elder Wand, is said to be made from this wood. Used By Albus Dumbledore.
Elm: Strengths This wand is also known to produce the fewest accidents. It is very reliable. Weaknesses It is not particularly suited for any specific branch of magic. Other Though it used to be believed that only purebloods could master these wands, this is not true. Elm wands prefer owners who have presence, magical dexterity, and a certain native dignity. Used By Lucius Malfoy.
English Oak: Strengths All nature related magics will be boosted by this wood. Weaknesses It does not do well in transfiguration, charms, or defense. Other Connects to partners of strength, courage, and fidelity. Masters usually also have powerful intuition and an affinity for natural things like plants and animals. It was said that English oak was the type of wood used for Merlin’s wand. Used By Rubeus Hagrid.
Fir: Strengths Favored for transfiguration. Weaknesses Abysmal at potions, astronomy, and dark magic. Attention to detail is of utmost importance, or it will not perform to its fullest abilities. Other This wand demands power and strength of purpose from its true master. Used By Minerva McGonagall.
Hawthorn: Strengths Excellent for defense against the dark arts. Weaknesses Very difficult to control, and requires a lot of magical power and energy. This wood is dangerously draining for those who lack stamina. Other These wands seem to deal with wizards and witches who are going through conflict and should only be put in the hands of wizards or witches who have proven magical strength.
Hazel: Strengths This quirky wood has the strange ability to detect water underground. Well fitted for most magics, as long as the owned is in a positive state of mind. Weaknesses It can discharge if handled by someone with anger or disappointed, and after its owner dies it almost always refuses to perform again. Other A sensitive wand, it often will display the same emotional state as its owner. It works best with someone who can understand and manage their feelings.
Holly: Other This wand, suprisingly, has no real strengths, weaknesses, advantages, or setbacks. Another type of rare wood, it works best with people who need help overcoming anger and impetuosity. It also tends to choose owners who are on dangerous and spiritual quests. Holly performance depends most on the wand core and is notoriously difficult to pair with a phoenix feather, but when paired with a phoenix feather, no one should stand in it and its owners way.
Hornbeam: Strengths This wood is uncommonly adaptable. Weaknesses They become so intertwined with their owners they will refuse to perform any kind of magic that goes against their owner’s principles, sometimes making for tricky situations. Other chooses only a single owner for life; usually an owner who has a single passion or obsession. Used By Garrick Ollivander.
Larch: Strengths Strong and durable wands, it has a reputation for instilling courage and confidence in its owner. Known for its affinity for divination, arithmancy, and ancient runes. Weaknesses Notoriously stubborn, the witch or wizard must accept the wands superiority in the relationship. If its master refuses to be guided, it will not perform any magic other than what it thinks is best. Other The owner may never realize they have hidden talents until this wand brings them out.
Laurel: Strengths Excellent for weather related spells or charms. This wood can produce powerful and lethal magic. Weaknesses However, it cannot commit a dishonorable act, so any offensive magic must be done with good intent. Other It does not tolerate laziness in an owner and usually is happy staying with its first owner forever.
Mahogany: Strengths This wood has a very powerful bond with the Earth, and will channel Earth energy better than any other. Weaknesses It is absolutely worthless in divination. Other Mahogany is an interesting wood mainly because, while most woods have a variety of differing uses, this one is very specialized. This wood is very focused on fertility, growing. Secondary to fertility, this wood has other uses as well. Enhancing intuition, strengthening bonds with blood relatives (especially the mother/son relationship), and exploring and clarifying goals are all possible uses for Mahogany. Used By James Potter.
Maple: Strengths New challenges usually cause this wand to shine in power. Weaknesses They are not “stay at home wands” and also prefer ambitious owners, otherwise their magic will fade. Other Owners are usually naturally inclined travelers and explorers. Whoever owns this type of wood usually has the status of being a high achiever.
Pear: Strengths This wood is very resilient to wear. Weaknesses These wands will not, under any circumstance, perform destructive, malicious, or harmful magics. Other These prefer owners who are kind, wise, and warm-hearted. Owners are usually popular and well-respected.
Red Oak: Strengths This is a great dueling wand, possessed of unusually fast reactions. Weaknesses This wood will sometimes channel unintentional magical outbursts. If the owner is thinking of breaking something, it may actually perform a spontaneous Reducto. Other Its ideal magic owner is of light of touch, quick witted, and adaptable. Also creates distinct trademark spells.
Redwood: Strengths This wood is lightning fast. Weaknesses Relies heavily on its master to direct and control the magic. Other It is said to bring its owner good luck, but in all reality, the wand is attracted to an owned that possesses quick reactions and can fall on their feet.
Rowan: Strengths Incredible at defensive magic and charmwork. This wand will do everything in its power to protect its owner, and repels negative energy. Weaknesses It is not suited for dark magic or potions. Other This wand prefers a master pure of heart.
Silver Lime: Strengths This is a wood best suited for mind magic and divination. Weaknesses It is useless in herbology, potions, or care of magical creatures. Other This wand forms an intense emotional connected to its owner. If it is stolen or broken, the master experiences symptoms similar to grief and substance withdrawal.
Spruce Strengths Very good for transfiguration. Weaknesses Terrible with charms work. Other To own this wood you must have a firm hand. When a spruce is placed with its true owner, a bold spell caster with a great sense of humor, it becomes extremely loyal.
Sycamore: Strengths This wand is a quick learner, and once it masters a spell, it will perform it flawlessly from there on out. Weaknesses This wood cannot stand monotony. If not stimulated, it may spark or sting its master. Other It is eager for new experiences. The ideal owner is curious and adventurous.
Vine: Strengths Great in all branches of magic. Very speedy. Weaknesses This wand does not have a lot of power behind it, though the right core may make up for that. OtherT his wood is not very common. Owners astound people who know them best, seek a greater purpose, and have a vision beyond the ordinary. Strongly attracted to people with great personalities that have hidden depths.
Walnut: Strengths This wood does superb spellwork and offensive magic. Weaknesses It is not suited to charms or defensive magic, and usually produces weak shields. Other These wands go to owners with high magical innovation and people who are inventors. Walnut is attracted to high levels of intelligence. Used by Bellatrix Lestrange.
Willow: Strengths This is ideal for healing and earth related magics, as well as charms. Weaknesses It does not do well with combative magic. Other These wands have a gentle, slow working power. They tend to be shy, and are commonly attracted to people with high levels of insecurity. Used By Lily Potter.
Yew Strengths This wood can channel extreme levels of power, and is a force to be reckoned with. Weaknesses It will not perform subtly. Other These wands can give their owner the power of life and death, but that doesn’t mean they always find themselves in the possession of Dark witches or wizards. Heroes can also obtain this wand. The wand never chooses a timid or mediocre owner. Used By Tom Riddle.



Length: Many wandmakers simply match the wand length to the size of the witch or wizard who will use it, but this is a crude measure, and fails to take into account many other, important considerations. Longer wands might suit taller wizards, but they tend to be drawn to bigger personalities, and those of a more spacious and dramatic style of magic. Neater wands favor more elegant and refined spell-casting. However, no single aspect of wand composition should be considered in isolation of all the others, and the type of wood, the core and the flexibility may either counterbalance or enhance the attributes of the wand’s length. Most wands will be in the range of between nine and fourteen inches. Extremely short or long wands are exceptionally rare. In the latter case, a physical peculiarity usually demands the excessive wand length. However, abnormally short wands usually select those in whose character something is lacking, rather than because they are physically undersized.

Flexibility: Usually wands are only described in terms of the source tree, its core and its length. However, occasionally, the firmness of the wand wood has also been described. The firmness or rigidity of the wood is said to show the characteristics of the wand, and the wizard's ability or willingness to change and adapt. This is the scale, beginning with best casting speed, and ending with most powerful: whippy, swishy, flexible, springy, sturdy, inflexible, and rigid. Rigid is the hardest to learn, and the most powerful. In special cases, there is also delicate. It takes special care to learn spells with this wand. They tend to choose witches and wizards with somewhat frail personalities, and once a spell is learned, although it is not as strong, it is extremely reliable.