[Kali_Namir]

A Word On Wands
By Gallagher

While all young witches and wizards know what it means to get their own wand, few actually understand why it is that wands pick them, instead of the other way around. Even among experts, wand lore is constantly changing and growing to try and explain the complex nature of this important aspect of magical lives. Here, I'll go over some of the basic knowledge those that are interested in wands should know, and hopefully teach you something new! Keep in mind that this is simply my view on the nature of wands, and not all will agree.

Wand Cores

The core of a wand is what brings it from a simple trinket to the tool we all require. It brings life to the rest of the wand, and is the key to controlling and using your magic. Most of us know the cores promoted by Ollivander, but we will also briefly discuss alternatives.

Dragon Heartstring

As the name implies, this core is collected from the heart of a dragon. The species will vary, assuring that even among heartstring owners, their cores will be as individual as the dragons themselves. However, a few trends remain common. Heartstring cores make powerful wands, and can be difficult to tame. Depending on how it is used and treated, it will quickly learn most brands of magic, making it vulnerable to turning towards Dark Arts. Its loyalty can also be won, and it will bond just as strongly to its new owner as it did to the last. Care needs to be taken when combining with certain woods, as it might become too dangerous.

Dittany Stalk

A well-known plant, Dittany has many uses, used not only as an ingredient in healing potions, but as a restorative, used to heal wounds and prevent scarring. Its unmatched ability in healing is reflected in its use as a core. Because of this specialization, however, it is weak in other areas, making subpar wands for any other use. Due to its high demand for healing and its rarity, it can be costly to purchase a wand with this core, and most will agree that Dittany is better off serving its other uses.

Kelpie Mane

The Kelpie is a water demon known for its shapeshifting abilities. When their hair is used in wands, this ability shows in a prowess for Transfiguration. However, kelpies are crafty, violent creatures by nature, making Kelpie mane wands volatile and difficult to work with or control, for both wandmakers and wand owners.

Kneazle Whisker

Related to cats, Kneazles are fairly common pets with some magical traits. A Kneazle whisker core makes a wand with its own mind, much like Phoenix feather. However, the range of magic it can perform is much more limited, and generally not as powerful. As with its creature counterpart, it can turn more aggressive towards certain individuals without reason. This, combined with its independent nature, makes it too hazardous for many.

Phoenix Feather

Not only is this a rare core, but it is also picky when it comes to owners, and for good reason. While many witches and wizards dislike the level of independence these wands can have, which makes them hard to gain loyalty with and can lead them to act on their own, their range of magic is unmatched. Those with Phoenix cores should take pride in their wands and do all that they can to keep their bond strong.

Thestral Hair

A Thestral borne wand is nearly impossible to find, and not from any lack of ability. Not only are the creatures quite rare, but avoided by most witches and wizards because of their very nature. Finding one who wishes to use this core is a task in and of itself. Finding a wandmaker able and willing to work with it even more so. Even then, its power can only be fully utilized by those who have not only witnessed, but also accepted death. The Elder Wand was the most powerful use of this core, but when one can craft Thestral hair into a stable wand, it will hold its own merit.

Unicorn Hair

A common core, Unicorn will be faithful to their first owner regardless of power or talent. Like its creature counterpart, it is pure and difficult to turn to Dark Arts. Doing so may even cause it to lose its power, as will other forms of mistreating. However, its power is reliable and consistent, and any weaknesses may be compensated for by the wand wood it's paired with.

Veela Hair

Though not particularly lacking in ability, this core may not stand out in many areas, either. It tends to be temperamental with a dual nature, sometimes obedient, only to change on a dime to finicky and aggressive. The unstable nature is undesirable to those that can't handle it. In capable hands, Veela hair may prove itself to be a good choice for alternative magic.

Wand Woods

The wood of a wand is what will make the first impression. While no wand should be judged based on the detail or lackthereof in its design, several unique or powerful woods can be identified on sight alone. The common idea that a wizard's wand wood must be linked to one's place in the Celtic calendar, this is wrong and just plain silly. There are too many plants in the world to be limited so drastically! Here, we'll go over many of the options available in reputable shops.

Acacia

One of the few woods that tends to conceal its power, acacia requires an owner with subtlety, someone capable of concealing their feelings when needed and generally lacking unneeded flair. It is difficult to match, and will refuse to work properly, if at all, for anyone it doesn't deem worthy.

Alder

A steadfast wood worthy of most any leader, it will seek balance in its partnership. Where it is strict and defensive, it needs someone that will bend, putting others' needs in front of their own. It is skilled with non-verbal spells.

Apple

Apple wood is a mark of charm and power that crosses cultural barriers, easy for any and all to see. Those with interest in reaching out to others, that maintain strong goals and resist the draw of the Dark Arts, will do well with this wand.

Ash

Precise and purposeful, an ash wand's owner will be someone stubborn, unable to be swayed from their beliefs, but still understanding and never presumptuous. It will easily lose its power for anyone but its true owner.

Aspen

Witches and wizards of aspen will be clear in vision, able to see the world just as it is, but holding strongly to how they believe it should be. Thus, they will be determined, unflinching when called to fight. These wands support them with impressive abilities in dueling and Charms.

Beech

As an attractive wood known for its luck and sophisticated magic, beech is prized by many. However, it will only give its full ability to those with understanding and wisdom that may be missing from others their age.

Blackthorn

Blackthorn is a wood of both sacrifice and healing, loyal to its master no matter how kind or cruel they may be. It pairs best with those that fight for what they want or for others, and requires hardship to fully bond with its owner and reveal its full potential.

Black Walnut

With above average abilities in charms, the black walnut wand can be difficult to master, especially for poor matches. It is sensitive to the lies one would fool themselves with, and the more deceived its owner is, the more its power will suffer. Honest and insightful wizards will do best with it.

Cedar

Care should be taken when one looks to confront a witch or wizard owning a cedar wand. Able to see through the lies and masks of others, they tend to be of strong mind with enviable loyalty, and will always stand up against those that do them wrong.

Cherry

Cherry wood holds an unexpected amount of power, lethal in the wrong hands even with a gentle core, and unimaginably dangerous with an aggressive and powerful one, such as dragon heartstring. A good match for this will know just where their priorities lie, and will think twice before attempting to cause any sort of harm.

Chestnut

The interesting trait about this wood is in its lack of personality, choosing instead to take on traits of the core it is made with, and of its owner itself. What can be said, however, is that it leans towards those with skill in Herbology, flying, and care of magical creatures.

Cypress

An underestimated wood, cypress wands will learn with their owners, growing as they do in the areas needed. Often, it finds home with those that are unafraid of giving anything and everything for that's right, able to face the dark side of life and others for what it is.

Dogwood

Those that wish to perform non-verbal magic best look elsewhere. Dogwood is loud, enthusiastic, and playful, bringing many spectacular and unexpected additions to spells. Though they are just as able to perform under stress and difficulty, a good match would be someone that finds enjoyment in its antics.

Ebony

A capable wood with a unique, striking look, ebony chooses an owner that's just as much of an individual. Its abilities are well-rounded, but it has more talent in Transfiguration and various forms of combat. Those that use it should be confident not only in their abilities, but in themselves and in their beliefs.

Elder

Often viewed negatively, elder wood is considered unlucky. While care should be taken with it, it is primarily because of how utterly honest these wands are. They create some of the most powerful magic, and so they will refuse any witch or wizard that lacks the ability and strength to handle them. Elder users, no matter their inclination, will stand out among their peers.

Elm

While not the best choice for duels, this wood is far from weak. It brings a level of elegance to every spell it casts, its smoothness in ability making it a good choice for advanced magic. It is best off with an owner with dignity, passion, and a strong sense of tradition.

English Oak

The loyal and courageous are proper partners for any English oak wand. These witches and wizards tend to have good intuition, and may find that this wood will compliment any magic closely linked to nature, making it that much more successful.

Fir

Though this wood is adept in transfiguration, which naturally calls for change and flexibility, their owners tend to be the opposite. Those with focus, determination, and a clear view of purpose are the ones that do well with fir.

Hawthorn

Like the masters they choose, hawthorn is a wood with contradictory sides, working together to make unique and unforgettable wholes. They can cast powerful spells, most particularly healing magic and curses of many sorts. Unique to these wands, however, is the trait that when spells fail, they run the risk of backfiring, even when the wand itself is in prime condition.

Hazel

One of the most sensitive, this wood is known for its attachment to its owner. Especially when paired with a unicorn core, this wand will die alongside its master when their time comes. Any witch or wizard with a hazel wand should put effort into managing their feelings, or their wand will become as unpredictable as they are. Hazel wands will also send out silver smoke when one is near an underground water supply.

Holly

Holly shows some of the most variance based on the other attributes of the wand it creates, especially the core that it's paired with. Often found with those that follow a dangerous path in life, this protective wood helps its owner to overcome his or her shortcomings.

Hornbeam

Hornbeam creates what might very well be the most personalized wands of all. Not only will they adapt to its owner's style and use of magic, making it perfect for those with a solid passion in their lives, but it will learn their morals as well, outright refusing to perform spells that would go against its owner's principles.

Larch

Difficult to handle and picky when choosing an owner, larch wood will find an owner with a great deal of hidden ability. This talent might not even be known to the witch or wizard themselves until they encounter the interesting effects this wood brings to a wand.

Laurel

Among the most loyal woods of all, this will go as far as attacking a witch or wizard with lightning strikes if they attempt to steal it. This does not, however, mean that it can't be won away. It will willingly change hands if its current owner proves lazy, so those with high ambition are recommended.

Mahogany

A mark of strength in mind and spirit, mahogany is a wood good for providing protection and safety through its defensive spells, as well as having a practical range and power in other magics.

Maple

Maple wood wands have as much variety in appearance as they seek in their lifetimes. Born for explorers, it will become more beautiful the more it is allowed to face new tasks and scenes. A lack in ambition will cause a lack of magical ability over time.

Pear

The earthy nature of the pear wood shows easily in its golden tone, retaining its appearance no matter how much work it is put through. This resilient wand is best suited for the wise, friendly witch or wizard that has no lack of generosity in their hearts.

Pine

One of the woods adept for non-verbal magic, pine is best for individualists that go about things in a unique way. It learns and adapts especially easily to varying methods and spells, making it good for lifelong use for these creative owners.

Poplar

Imbued with a masculine energy, poplar seeks owners with a clear sense of morals and a secure spirit. In return, it provides consistent and uniform magic that won't let its user down under any circumstances.

Red Oak

Similar to its English counterpart, the red oak searches for owners with courage and intuition. Those that are adaptable, quick on their feet and in mind, will find this to be the perfect match for dueling. Following one's emotions and impulses tends to give exemplary results.

Redwood

While not as lucky as rumor would have you believe, the redwood wand often chooses owners that are themselves lucky. Individuals that are good at making the right choice, and that can make it through even the worst of situations, are those that should consider this wood, as it will only enhance these traits.

Rosewood

A feminine wood, it will maintain its beauty for ages, shining particularly well with witches that are kind and have natural charm. It may find that its talent lies in divination or healing magics.

Rowan

As an especially virtuous wood, one would be hard pressed to turn a rowan wand to Dark Arts. Typically choosing wizards that have just as pure of a spirit as it does, it will show a strength in defensive magic, and can be a challenging foe in duels.

Silver Lime

The unique look of this wood isn't all that has made it popular through the ages. Best with an owner that will accept or improve what life throws their way, it is especially skilled with Legilimency and Divination.

Spruce

With a mind of its own, spruce requires a user with confidence, whether that user has earned said confidence or not. They should have a natural sense of showmanship and know how to have fun, as this wood will bring an extra flair of drama to any and all spells.

Sycamore

This wand is best with an owner that seeks just as many new experiences and challenges as it does. While more than capable of it, if only allowed to do simple day-to-day tasks, the sycamore wand will become tired of it and simply burst into flame.

Vine

Extremely sensitive to finding its own match, this wand will pick an owner that has more to them than most know. Those that are looking for something more that push themselves to reach their goals will do well with vine, as it will be loyal and true. Fear of one's own power would be an owner's only downfall.

Walnut

Walnut is one of the most adaptable woods, fully supporting an intelligent owner with whatever they may wish to try, including the unsavory brands of magic. For better or for worse, walnut owners are pioneers, doing and creating what others have yet to pursue.

Willow

This capable wood is known not only for its healing, but also for its strength with non-verbal magic. On top of this, more often than not, wands of willow have a pleasing appearance to match their ability. However, they prefer witches and wizards with potential yet to be tapped rather than those that have fully bloomed.

Yew

With a somewhat negative reputation, a wand carved of yew will pair with someone just as unique as it is. Skilled with curses and counter-curses alike, it is a match for those with determination and a protective nature, whether for themselves or for others.

Other

Besides the wood and core of a wand, there are a few more aspects that are just as important, but often brushed aside or ignored entirely. Every detail matters when matching a wand and wizard properly, so anyone truly interested in the subject would do well not to do the same.

Wand Length

While it is important that a wand be a proper length for its owner to use it comfortably, it is more a reflection of their personality. Longer wands naturally attract more attention, and are in turn attracted to those that put on more of a show with their magic, or are generally more expressive. Short wands, while sometimes reflecting a poor or lacking character, are more often a mark of refined and practical magic.

Wand Rigidity

This, like wand length, is a touch more complicated than most wizards would have you believe. The rigidity of a wand marks the flexibility of both it and its master. The more malleable a wand, the more willing to change the pair will be, and the more impliable it is, the more stubborn they are. Both sides can be good or bad: while a firm wand can hold under pressure, a brittle one is bound to break and become useless, just like its master might. In turn, a soft wand may show a lack of will that makes the pair just as useless.