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"Your father, on the other hand, favoured a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favoured it — it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course."
Mr Ollivander's description[src]

James Potter's wand was 11" long, made of mahogany,[1] and possessed an unknown core. The wand was described as "pliable" and as "excellent for Transfiguration". The wand was manufactured by Garrick Ollivander.[1]

History[]

"He was over the threshold as James came sprinting into the hall. It was easy, too easy, he had not even picked up his wand...."
— James forgets to pick up his wand when Voldemort arrives[src]
James tormenting Severus flashback

James using his wand to bully Severus Snape in their fifth year

This wand was purchased at Ollivanders by James I before he began his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.[1] This wand later proved itself useful for Transfiguration; in James's fifth year when he became an illegal Animagus. Also while in school James used this wand to jinx students at random. He frequently bullied Severus Snape with it, such as taking off Snape's trousers in their fifth year.[2]

It can be assumed he wielded this wand throughout the First Wizarding War, while being a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

On the night of 31 October, 1981, James had been using his wand to entertain his infant son Harry Potter and had left it on the sofa when Lord Voldemort arrived. As a result, he was murdered instantly.[3] It's unknown what happened to the wand after the death of its owner, but it is possible it was buried with him.

Behind the scenes[]

  • The wand prop replica used in the films is decorated with a simple cobweb design that extends down the length of the wand, and has no separate handle.

Appearances[]

Notes and references[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 5 (Diagon Alley)
  2. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 28 (Snape's Worst Memory)
  3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 33 (The Prince's Tale)
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