Harry Potter wand cores
In addition to the wand wood, the wand core is also an important component of a good wand. While many wandmakers use all kinds of materials and turn them into cores, Garrick Ollivander has decided that there are only three substances.
He experimented a lot and also watched his father struggle with all kinds of different materials. But in the end, there are only three cores that, in his opinion, produce good quality wands: Unicorn hair, dragon heart fibre and phoenix feather.
Each of these precious and rare materials has its own unique properties. Nevertheless, in the end it is the wood, the magical core and the experience and characteristics of the wearer that determine the qualities and properties of the wand. The wand core is only one part of it.
As always, the thoughts and ideas come from Mr Garrick Ollivander's diary. As always, the original can be found on Pottermore.
Dragon heart fibre
Wands with dragon heart fibres are the most powerful of all wands and are ideal for the most extravagant spells. Wands with this core learn faster than others and transfer their allegiance without problems if the wand was won fairly from the previous owner.
Wands with dragon heart fibres are very well suited to black magic, but do not take this path on their own, but must be used by the bearer. Due to its temperamental nature, this core is the most prone to accidents.
Phoenix feather
The magical core of Harry Potter's wand is the rarest of the three, but is suitable for the widest range of magic. One feature that many witches and wizards don't like, but which has saved Harry, is the wand's ability to be proactive at times.
Wands with phoenix feathers are very picky when it comes to their future owner. This is mainly due to the fact that the phoenix is a very independent and detached creature of this world and this character trait is also transferred to the wand. This also makes them very difficult to subdue and personalise.
Unicorn hair
The hair from the tail, mane or fur of unicorns produces the most constant magic and is not known to fluctuate. As unicorns themselves are pure animals, wands with unicorn hair are also difficult to force into black magic.
They are also very loyal and have a strong bond with their first owner, even if that owner is not a respectable wizard or witch. Unfortunately, unicorn hair is not suitable for the most powerful wands, even if the wand wood could compensate for this. And if they are mistreated, the hair can die and have to be replaced.