Dumbledore showed Harry his stick. Up close, Harry could see it was much more than a strip of dark wood; it was intricately carved, with everything from eldritch sigils to what looked like clusters of berries etched along its length. "A wand is a wizard's tool, Harry. It focuses and amplifies your magic, allowing you to cast spells more intricate or powerful than you could perform unaided. Most spells are cast by performing the proper gesture with your wand and speaking an appropriate incantation."