How a Hogwarts Founder's Wand Ended Up at Ilvermorny

The Hogwarts founders—Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin—play pivotal roles in the Harry Potter series, particularly concerning Voldemort's Horcruxes, which include Helga Hufflepuff's Cup, Rowena Ravenclaw's Lost Diadem, and Salazar Slytherin's Locket. However, Slytherin's legacy extends beyond Hogwarts, significantly influencing the history of the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Salazar Slytherin, a powerful and controversial figure in Wizarding history, crafted his own wand from Basilisk horn, giving it unique abilities. After Slytherin's death, this wand was passed down through generations until it eventually became buried at Ilvermorny. Isolt Sayre, born in 1603 to a lineage tied to both Morrigan and the Gaunt family (which includes Voldemort’s mother), had a different upbringing than Slytherin's infamous descendants. Her parents embraced Muggles, unlike Slytherin, which led to tragedy when they were murdered by Isolt’s aunt, Gormlaith Gaunt, who sought to instil her twisted family values.

Image Courtesy: Screen Rant

After escaping Gormlaith, Isolt inadvertently stole Slytherin's wand, which she took with her to America on the Mayflower. In her new home, she befriended a Pukwudgie named William and rescued two young wizard boys, Chadwick and Webster, whom she later raised with her husband, James Stewart. When Gormlaith discovered Isolt’s new life, she attempted to reclaim the wand and put Isolt to sleep with a curse. However, the boys, now skilled in magic, bravely fought back, allowing Isolt and James to awaken and regroup.

Although Gormlaith was ultimately defeated with the help of William, Slytherin's wand remained dormant and a symbol of Isolt’s painful past. Isolt chose to bury it, where a snakewood tree soon grew, revealing its medicinal properties. This connection solidified Ilvermorny's ties to Hogwarts, leading to its establishment as a prestigious wizarding school that embraced students from all over North America. 

Image Courtesy: CBR

Over time, Isolt named Ilvermorny’s four houses after magical creatures significant to her family and their adventures. The intertwined histories of Ilvermorny and Hogwarts enrich the lore of the Harry Potter universe, revealing Salazar Slytherin's enduring influence on both schools.

–Farheen Ali