The Wand Chooses The WIzard

Chapter 11

“The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why. But I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you.” - Garrick Ollivander.

Ah, yes. The wand chooses the wizard. Wise words from arguably one of the finest wandmakers in the world. But how do wands know that "you're the one"? Come find out with me today as I walk you through the meanings and personalities of different wand woods, cores, lengths, and flexibilities, gathered from the notes of Mr. Ollivander himself!

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Wand Woods

In total, there are a combination of thirty-eight different wand woods, so this might take a while. I suggest scrolling down to the one that applies to you!

Acacia: Acacia is a very unusual wand wood, known for making wands that are tricky to handle. They often refuse to work for anyone other than their true owner and only show their full power to the most talented witches and wizards. Because of this, they are difficult to match, and only a small supply is kept for those with the right skills and finesse. While acacia wands aren’t suited for the most “flashy” magic, paired with the right owner, they are just as powerful as any other.

Alder: Alder is a firm and unyielding wood, yet owners with this wand tend to be kind, considerate, and well-liked. Unlike most other wand woods, which prefer owners with similar traits, alder seeks to find someone with a contrasting nature. When matched well, alder wood wands are loyal and powerful partners. Of all wand types, alder is best suited for non-verbal magic, justifying its reputation for being most suitable for the most advanced witches and wizards.

Apple: Applewood wands aren’t made in great numbers, which makes them a rarer wand wood. They are best matched with witches and wizards who hold high ideals, as this wood mixes poorly with Dark Magic. It is said that those who wield an apple wand are well-loved and live long lives, and that particularly charming individuals are drawn to them. Many owners of this wand have a unique talent for communicating with magical creatures, such as Dylan Marwood, author of Merpeople: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Language and Customs.

Ash: Ash has a connection to their owner and should never be passed on or gifted, for it could lose its power and skill. This tendency is much more likely if the core is unicorn. There are old superstitions about wands, and while they aren’t highly regarded or accurate, there is one that contains some truth. It goes: rowan gossips, chestnut drones, ash is stubborn, hazel moans. The witches and wizards suited for ash are quite accurate to the rhyme, and not easily swayed from their beliefs. However, those who are cocky and overconfident, who insist on their wands being made of this prestigious wood, will be disappointed. The owners of ash wands may be stubborn, but they are never crass or arrogant, and always courageous.

Aspen: Aspen is fine-grained and white in colour, highly prized by all wand-makers because of its resemblance to ivory and outstanding charmwork. The owners of aspen wands are often accomplished duellists, or destined to become duellists, for aspen is the kind of wood that is particularly susceptible to “martial magic.” Fun fact: an infamous and secretive eighteenth-century duelling club, which was called The Silver Spears, had a reputation for only admitting those who owned aspen wands. From this, you can tell that wand owners of aspen are generally quite strong-minded and determined, and more likely to embark on quests and new orders.

Beech: A true match for a beech wand would be a young witch or wizard, one particularly beyond his or her years (if fully grown, rich in understanding and experience). Beech wands will not work well for narrow-minded and intolerant owners, presenting difficult challenges when it comes to spellcasting. Those who obtain these wands without having been matched (although it is quite understandable, for beech is a highly prized wand wood) will find themselves frustrated by their rich and beautiful wand’s lack of power. When matched through the proper channels, beech is capable of a subtle artistry rarely seen in other kinds of wood, hence its lustrous reputation. (EDITOR'S NOTE: You were right, Daphne! This really matches me!)

Blackthorn: Like acacia, blackthorn is quite an unusual wand wood. This one, however, has a reputation for being best suited to a warrior. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the owner practices the Dark Arts (although those who do will undeniably enjoy the power blackthorn wands bring); blackthorn wands can be seen among Aurors as well as through the halls of Azkaban. It’s curious that blackthorn bushes hold wicked thorns which produce the sweetest berries after the hardest frosts, and how wands made from this wood appear to need to pass through danger or hardship to truly bond with their owners. Given this, blackthorn wands tend to become incredibly loyal and faithful to their owner.

Black Walnut: Less common than the standard walnut wand, black walnut seeks an owner with good instincts and powerful insights. It is a very attractive wood, but not at all the easiest to master. The wand has one fascinating quirk, however, which is that it is abnormally attuned to infer conflict, and loses power if its possessor practises any form of self-deception. If one cannot be honest with themselves or others, the wand often fails to perform adequately and must be matched with a new owner to regain its former spark. But, in the hands of someone self-aware, it becomes one of the most loyal and impressive wands of all, with a particular emphasis on charmwork.

Cedar: If you ever meet one who carries a wand of cedar, you should expect to find strength of character and unusual loyalty. Ollivander’s father, Gervaise Ollivander, used to always say, “You will never fool the cedar carrier.” Cedar wands find their perfect matches in a place of insightfulness and perception. It is highly advised that you do not cross the owner of a cedar wand, especially if it means harming those they are fond of. The witch or wizard who is well-matched with cedar carries the potential to be a frightening opponent, shocking those who thoughtlessly challenge them.

Cherry: Cherry is a rare wand wood of extraordinary, strange magical powers. They are cherished by wizarding students of the school Mahoutakoro in Japan, where those who have cherry wands are highly regarded. Western wand-purchasers should keep in mind that the pink blossoms from cherry trees aren’t meant to be decorative or frivolous, but possess truly lethal power no matter the core. However, when teamed with dragon heartstring, the wand would become unstoppable in the hands of a wizard with exceptional self-control and strength of mind.

Chestnut: Chestnut is quite a curious wood that varies greatly in character depending on the core. It is attracted to witches and wizards who are skilled at taming magical beasts, are gifted in Herbology, and are natural fliers. However, when paired with dragon heartstring, it may prefer someone fond of luxury and material things. On the other hand, many successive heads of the Wizengamot have possessed chestnut and unicorn wands, for this combination is best known to be matched with those concerned with all manner of justice.

Cypress: Cypress wands take the biggest liking to those who are noble. It’s considered an honour to match a cypress wand, for those witches and wizards are ones who will die heroic deaths. Fortunately, owners of cypress wands rarely need to give up their lives, though they will undoubtedly do so if required. This wand will find a soulmate among the brave, bold, and self-sacrificing—someone unafraid to confront the darkness in their own and others’ natures.

Dogwood: Dogwood wands are quite favourable, since matching this wand with its ideal owner is always such an entertaining time. Dogwood wands are quirky and mischievous. They have playful natures and seek partners who can provide excitement and fun. Even with its prankster persona, dogwood can be capable of serious magic when needed. They have been known to perform outstanding spells under difficult conditions, especially when paired with clever witches or wizards. An interesting part of dogwood wands is that they refuse to perform non-verbal spells, and can often be noisy at times. Either way, they are still sturdy wands with the ability to produce dazzling enchantments.

Ebony: This jet-black wand wood has an impressive appearance and reputation, being highly receptive to all manner of combat magic, as well as Transfiguration. Ebony is happiest in the hands of those with the courage to be themselves. Found among members of the Order and Death Eaters, ebony wand owners are usually non-conformist individuals who are comfortable being seen as outsiders. According to Ollivander, the perfect match to ebony is someone who holds to their beliefs no matter the pressure and stays true to their purpose.

Elder: The rarest of the wand woods, elder is rumoured to be deeply unlucky and the trickiest to master. It contains powerful magic, but refuses to remain with any owner who is not superior to those around them. It takes a remarkable wizard to keep an elder wand for any length of time. The old superstition, “wand of elder, never prosper,” is rooted in fear of the wand, but the superstition itself is weak and baseless. Wandmakers who refuse to work with elder aren’t scared, but doubt that they would be able to sell the product. Truthfully, only odd people will find matches with elder, and those are the types of witches and wizards destined for something special. Ollivander has unearthed that owners of elder wands feel powerful connections with those who own wands of rowan, so that’s an interesting fact for you!

Elm: The belief that only pure-bloods can produce magic from elm wands was undoubtedly started by someone seeking to prove his blood credentials, but many perfect matches for elm wands have been Muggle-borns. In truth, elm prefers owners with presence, magical skill, and people with a certain dignity. Of all woods, elm produces the fewest incidents, the least amount of errors, and casts some of the most elegant and charming magic. It is a very sophisticated wand, capable of highly advanced magic in the right hands. This is what makes it so desirable to those who value the pure-blood philosophy.

English Oak: A wand for both good times and bad, this wand is as loyal as the wizard who deserves it. Wands of English oak need partners with traits of strength, courage, and fidelity. Owners of this wand often have powerful intuition, and most times, a connection with the magic of the natural world (the creatures and plants known to wizardkind). Oak trees are named “King of the Forest” from winter solstice to summer solstice, and wood should only be collected during that time (holly trees become King as days shorten again, so it should only be gathered as the year subsides). Rumours say Merlin’s wand was crafted of English oak, but there is no way to tell, as his grave was never found.

Fir: Gerbold Ollivander called wands of this wood “the survivor’s wand,” because he had sold it to three wizards who survived mortal peril without a scratch. This wood, coming from one of the most resilient trees, produces wands flowing with power and strength with their true owners. They are particularly suited to Transfiguration and prefer owners who are strong-minded, focused, and occasionally have intimidating demeanours.

Hawthorn: Wandmaker Gregorovitch once 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 cut branches smell of death.” While he does not have many agreeable conclusions, he is correct on the basis that hawthorn wands are complex and intriguing, just like the owners they match with. Hawthorn wands may work best in healing magic, but they are also proficient at curses. Although it is not easy to master, and should only be seen in the hands of witches and wizards with proven talent. When handled badly, their spells can majorly backfire.

Hazel: Hazel is a sensitive wand, and seems to reflect the feelings of its owner, who is emotional but perceptual and understands their own feelings. Others should be wary when handling hazel wands, for if its owner had recently lost their temper or become overpowered by a wave of disappointment, this wand would absorb that energy and dispose of it unpredictably. It makes up for this trait, however, with the outstanding magic it performs in the hands of a skillful witch or wizard. Hazel has such a high devotion to its owner that it often refuses to perform magic at the end of its owner's life. This is especially true if the core is unicorn, for the wand will almost certainly “die” alongside its master. Furthermore, hazel wands have the unique ability to detect water underground, emitting silvery puffs of smoke when passing over concealed springs and wells.

Holly: Holly falls on the rarer side of wand woods. They are traditionally considered protective, working happily for those who may need help overcoming a tendency to anger or pressure. At the same time, holly wands often choose owners who are engaged in dangerous and often spiritual quests. The performance of this wand wood varies dramatically depending on the core, and it is notoriously difficult to master when teamed with a phoenix feather, as the wood’s volatile nature contrasts with the phoenix’s detachment. In the unusual event of a pairing such as this finding its match, however, nothing and no one should stand in the way.

Hornbeam: Hornbeam selects its life mate to be a talented witch or wizard with a single, pure passion (which some might call obsession) that is always recognised by others. These wands adapt quicker than almost any other to their owners' “style” of magic, and become so personalised that others find them extremely difficult to use for themselves. They absorb their owner’s values, whatever they may be, and refuse to perform acts that do not align with their master’s principles. It is truly a sentient wand, and also the one matched with Ollivander himself.

Larch: A beautiful and powerful wand wood, Larch is strong, durable and warm in colour. It’s well-known for instilling courage and confidence in the user, making it very sought-after. It is, however, hard to please and much trickier to handle than many imagine. Larch always makes a wand of hidden talents and unexpected effects, which likewise describes the true owners who deserve it. Oftentimes, the witch or wizard destined to hold a larch doesn’t realise the full extent of their talents until paired with it, but afterwards, the two make an unstoppable match.

Laurel: Laurel wands, like their owners, seek glory, and can perform striking and sometimes lethal magic. They are sometimes called fickle, but that is quite unjust. Laurel wands are unable to tolerate laziness in their owner, and it is under these conditions that they can easily change their loyalties. In other scenarios, laurel stays happily with its match and holds the intriguing attribute of issuing a spontaneous lightning strike should another witch or wizard attempt to steal it.

Maple: Oftentimes, those chosen by these wands are nature travellers and explorers. They aren’t, in Ollivander’s words, “stay-at-home wands,” and prefer ambition within their owner, or else their magic grows heavy and lacklustre. New challenges and regular changes of scenery cause this wand to literally shine, burnishing itself as it grows in ability and status. It is a beautiful and desirable wood, and the quality of maple has been among the most costly for centuries. The possession of maple wands has been a mark of status since they have a reputation for being the wand of high achievers.

Pear: Pear wood has a gorgeous golden tone and the capability of fabulous magical powers, which shine when in the hands of a warm-hearted, generous, and kind person. In most cases, those who possess wands made of pear wood are popular and greatly respected people. There have been nearly no instances of those with this kind of wand wood being Dark witches or wizards. Pear makes for very resilient wands that can appear brand new after many years of use.

Pine: Ah, yes, smooth straight-grained pine. These wands always choose independent and individual masters, who may often be viewed as loners, intriguing, or perhaps even mysterious. Pine wands enjoy being used creatively, and unlike others, they adapt easily to new methods and skills. Yet, they are one of the most sensitive to non-verbal magic. Many insist that pine wands are able to detect and perform best for owners destined to live long lives, and Ollivander himself says that he has never known the master of a pine wand to die young.

Poplar: Gerbold Ollivander once said, “If you seek integrity, search first among the poplars,” and I find this statement to hold nothing but truth. Poplar is most definitely the wand to rely on, being consistent in its strength. When working with a witch or wizard who shows a clear moral vision, poplar wands shine. Two of the Ministry’s most accomplished Ministers for Magic, Eldritch Diggory and Evaneline Orpington, were masters of fine poplar wands, which only goes to show their potential.

Red Oak: You may often hear ignorant beings say red oak represents the owner’s hot temper. As a matter of fact, the true match for a red oak wand has unusually fast reactions, making it the perfect wand for duelling. Less common than English oak, it is noticed that the right masters of red oak are light of touch, quick-witted and adaptable. Oftentimes, they are also the creators of distinctive spells, and good people to have on your side in a fight.

Redwood: Wand-quality redwood is short in supply, yet always in constant demand because of its reputation for bringing good fortune to its owner. Unfortunately, as is usually the case with wandlore, these rumours lack truth. Redwood wands cannot bring luck themselves, but are strongly attracted to witches and wizards who already possess the admirable ability to think fast on their feet and make good choices. These kinds of people are always able to solve problems and snatch advantages away from catastrophes. The combination with a redwood wand is always intriguing—you should expect to hear of exciting exploits from the owner soon.

Rowan: Rowan wood was always very favoured, for it is reputed to be more protective than any other wand wood. It tends to cast all manner of defensive charms, all of which are especially sturdy and difficult to break. It is commonly stated that no dark witch or wizard ever owned a rowan wand, and they very rarely go on to cast any immoral magic. Rowan is most happily placed in the hands of someone clear-headed and pure-hearted, but this preference for virtue shouldn’t fool anyone—rowan wands are as equal as all others, and frequently outperform some in duels.

Silver Lime: This unusual wand wood was in very high demand in the nineteenth century. Demand overtook supply, and many wandmakers would dye standard woods in an effort to fool customers into believing they were purchasing silver lime. The popularity of these wands is not only because of their appearance, but also for their reputation of performing best for Seers and those skilled in Legilimency. Both of these mysterious arts would give the owners of this wand undeniably high status.

Spruce: Certain wandmakers may call this wood hard to work with, but in doing so, they reveal their own ineptitude. While it is true that spruce requires a certain skill to work with, wands made of this material do best in firm hands and become dangerous in the hands of someone with a cautious and nervous nature. Spruce has its own ideas about the magic it should produce, so it requires a bold spell-caster, who in most cases also has a good sense of humour. When it meets its right match, wands made of this wood can become amazing helpers, intensely loyal to their owners and capable of producing superb, dynamic magical spells.

Sycamore: Sycamore makes for a questing wand, eager for new experiences and losing brilliance if constantly subjected to mundane activities. It’s the quirk of a handsome wand that may combust if becoming “bored,” which many middle-aged witches and wizards are disconcerted to find their trusty wand bursting into flames at the request to fetch their slippers. Although it is quite implied, the ideal owners of sycamore wands are curious and adventurous. When paired with their match, it demonstrates a capacity to learn and adapt, earning its rightful place among some of the world’s most highly-prized wand woods.

Vine: Wizards considered anything with a woody stem a tree, and vine makes wands of such a special nature that it would be a shame to discontinue the tradition. Vine wands are not common, and it's intriguing to note that their owners are nearly always owners who seek a greater purpose in life. These people have visions beyond the ordinary and astound the people around them. Vine is strongly attracted to personalities with hidden depths, and it is very sensitive when it comes to detecting the correct match for them. Some sources claim that these wands emit magical effects when in the same room as a suitable owner, and such a phenomenon has been observed before.

Walnut: Nine out of ten times, highly intelligent witches and wizards will meet their match in walnut wands. These wands are often found in the hands of magical innovators and inventors, due to its unusual but useful versatility and adaptability. But, keep in mind this note of caution: while some woods are difficult to dominate and may resist performance, a walnut wand, once taken under control, will perform any tasks its owner desires to brilliance. This makes walnut a truly lethal weapon in the hands of a witch or wizard of no conscience, for the wand and owner may feed from each other in a particularly unhealthy manner.

Willow: Willow wands are quite uncommon and contain extraordinary healing powers. Ideal owners for this wand usually have some sort of unwarranted insecurity, however well they may try to hide it. While many confident customers may insist on trying willow (drawn in by its well-founded reputation and advanced skills in non-verbal magic) willow wands consistently choose those with great potential, rather than those who feel they don’t have much to learn. As an old proverb states, "he who has furthest to travel will go fastest with willow".

Yew: Wands of yew are reputed to endow their possessor with the power of life and death, and while that could be said of all wands, yew holds a particularly dark and fearsome fame when it comes to curses and duelling. Yew wands are more likely than any other to be attracted to the Dark Arts. Those who match with yew are often notorious wizards or witches, and are seen as fierce protectors. Never found in the hands of a mediocre or timid owner, yew has been found in the possession of heroes just as frequently as villains. It even matches its owner by keeping that trait of fiercely protecting others themselves, sprouting into trees when buried alongside their dead masters.

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Wand Cores

Dragon: Dragon heartstrings are known to produce the most powerful wands, capable of particularly flamboyant spells. Dragon wands learn quicker than other cores do, and while they can change allegiance, they always maintain a strong bond with their owner.

The dragon wand is the most prone of the three cores to be easily swayed by the Dark Arts, though it does not choose that path of its own accord. It is also the one known to cause the most accidents, being somewhat temperamental.

Unicorn: Unicorn hair produces the most consistent magic and is the least subject to blockages and difficulty with spellcasting. Wands with unicorn cores resist the Dark Arts most strongly. Being faithful and strongly attached to their owners, they stay loyal to good-hearted witches and wizards, no matter if they are accomplished or not.

A small disadvantage to unicorn hair is that it does not make the most powerful wand, and can be vulnerable to melancholy if mishandled. In those scenarios, the hair may “die” and need replacing within the wand.

Phoenix: Phoenix is the rarest core type. They are capable of the largest range of magic, despite taking longer than both unicorn and dragon cores to reveal this. Phoenix shows the most initiative, sometimes acting out on their own, which many of the owners dislike.

Phoenix feathers are the pickiest when it comes to potential masters, for the creature they are sourced from is one of the most independent and detached in the world. These wands are the hardest to tame and personalise, and it takes a great deal of effort to win over their allegiance.

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Wand Lengths & Flexibility

Length: Many wandmakers dismiss the meaning of length in wands, assuming it matches a size for the witch or wizard who will use it, but this leaves out many important considerations. In some cases, longer wands might suit taller wizards, but they usually tend to be drawn to big personalities and those with a dramatic magical style. Smaller wands favour more elegant and refined spell-casting, however, no single aspect of wand composition should be considered alone. Wood, core and flexibility can counteract and change the attributes of wand length. Most wands are nine to fourteen inches long, but in some rare cases, longer or shorter wands can be matched.

Flexibility: The flexibility or rigidity of a wand represents how adaptable and willing the wand and owner are to change together. Although just as is the case with flexibility, this shouldn’t be considered separately from the wand wood, core and length, nor the owner’s life experiences and style of magic. All of these together combine to create a wand unique and irreplaceable.

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That was an awfully lengthy chapter, but we managed to cover all aspects of wands! Did you get the chance to see what your wand says about you? Let me share a little bit about my own:

My wand is chestnut wood with a unicorn core, 11”, and unyielding flexibility. According to the wise Mr. Ollivander, owners with a combination of chestnut wood and unicorn hair are particularly concerned with the manners of justice. As someone who wishes to work in a law-related job in the future, I find it terrifying how accurate that is. The length and flexibility also state that my style of magic is more on the polished side, and I am not the most receptive to change (which I agree with).

Anywho, that’s enough about me. If your wand was particularly interesting, feel free to share! But for now, I’ll let you flip forward to the next chapter. Toodles <3

Written by Daphne Clarke.
Edited by Hazel Antler.
Proofread by Alannah V.