Horned Serpent Horn

• Type: Wand Core
• Owners: Chadwick Boot, Webster Boot (first known wands containing this core)
• Maker: The first known wands using this core were crafted by Isolt Sayre and James Steward. (Pottermore)

A Horned Serpent horn is a magical component obtained from the Horned Serpent, a magical beast native to North America. The specific horn used by Isolt Sayre was described as long and sharp, from which she took a sliver. (Pottermore) When used as a wand core, a shaving or sliver of the horn is placed within the wand wood.

The primary known use of a Horned Serpent horn is as a powerful and highly sought-after wand core, particularly in North America. (Pottermore)

• Power: Wands with a Horned Serpent horn core are considered exceptionally powerful. (Pottermore)
• Sensitivity to Danger: The most remarkable property of this core is its ability to warn its owner of impending danger. It does so by emitting a low, musical note that only the owner can hear. (Pottermore)
• Parseltongue Affinity: The core is sensitive to Parseltongue and can vibrate when the language is spoken nearby. This is due to the creature's connection with Parselmouths, as demonstrated by Isolt Sayre's ability to understand the serpent she befriended. (Pottermore)

The use of Horned Serpent horn as a wand core originated with Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry founder Isolt Sayre in the 17th century. After befriending a magical river serpent, Isolt was granted a sliver of its horn to create wands for her adopted sons, Chadwick Boot and Webster Boot. These were two of the first wands ever created at Ilvermorny. (Pottermore) The wands' protective nature was soon proven when they warned the Boot brothers of the approach of their evil aunt, Gormlaith Gaunt, by emitting their signature musical tone. Because of this powerful demonstration, Horned Serpent horn became a prized core material for North American wandmakers. (Pottermore) By the 20th century, it was an established, albeit likely rare, wand core in the United States. It was even rumoured, incorrectly, that the wand of MACUSA President Seraphina Picquery contained a sliver of Horned Serpent horn. (Pottermore)

The Horned Serpent horn does not appear in the original seven novels. Its significance is rooted in the expanded lore of the wizarding world, where it serves to establish the unique history and traditions of North American wandmaking. It contrasts with the three Supreme Cores used by Garrick Ollivander—phoenix feather, dragon heartstring, and unicorn hair—and highlights the distinct magical environment of a different continent. The story of its origin is central to the founding of Ilvermorny and the legacy of its founder, Isolt Sayre.

• The existence and properties of Horned Serpent horn as a wand core were first detailed by J.K. Rowling in her writings on the Pottermore website, primarily in the backstory “Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.”
• While the Horned Serpent creature itself is featured in the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, its horn as a wandmaking component is not mentioned. (film)
• In the video game Hogwarts Legacy, Horned Serpent Horn is a magical beast material that can be used to upgrade the player's equipment with powerful traits. (video game)