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Professor Emeric Switch is a name familiar to all Hogwarts students. Why? He is the author of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration, a textbook that is typically required for First Year Transfiguration class, depending on the current Transfiguration professor. Though, because of its excellent explanations, it is recommended that students keep a copy on hand, regardless of course requirements. Switch was a Transfiguration professor himself at one time. He found the contemporary texts of that time too difficult for young wizards and witches. They were clearly written so that more advanced wizards and witches who had been studying transfiguration for years could understand them. This inspired Switch to write his own textbook.

The portrait is located in the Transfiguration department near the middle courtyard. Switch has made it a habit to greet students on their way to Transfiguration class as well as when the students are leaving class. Some students stop long enough to have a short conversation with Switch about their Transfiguration homework. He loves hearing about how the students are progressing in the subject and what spells they are learning in class. He is also happy to answer any questions about his book.