Yes ... it's a real wand ...

I admit I love Harry Potter ... as do my children (especially my daughter).  The magical and mystical quality of the films (and books) leave children with a vague sense that there's an element of truth somewhere hidden in the stories.

I used to tell the kids that I went to Hogwarts, and if they were naughty, I'd get out my wand and cast a spell.  This eventually resulted in the question "show us the wand" ...  

So one night while they were asleep, I wrapped a chop stick in aluminum foil and placed it on top of the cooktop hood.  The next and subsequent times they asked, I immediately produced it ... and this kept them fascinated for many months.  

Interestingly, they never attempted to retrieve the wand for a closer look!   In the end, I confessed and unwrapped it ... I just wanted to see their faces (which were hilarious!)