The Wizarding World’s power is channeled through wandlore—where wood, core, and wizard determine destiny. From holly, yew, elder, willow, ash, rowan, and vine to rare cores like phoenix feather, dragon heartstring, unicorn hair, Veela hair, and Thestral tail hair, each pairing shapes temperament, loyalty, and the magic a witch or wizard can command. The wand chooses the wizard… and sometimes chooses again.

In this lesson, we examine every official wand wood and core in Harry Potter—properties, compatibilities, and famous matches: Harry’s holly with phoenix feather, Voldemort’s yew twin, the Elder Wand’s elder with Thestral hair, and more. Expect Ollivander, Gregorovitch, Priori Incantatem, and the grim mathematics of wand allegiance. Take notes; most of you will forget the moment you put your wands down.

— Professor Severus Snape