Emeric Switch

Emeric Switch, also known as Emeric the Evil, was a short-lived but exceptionally aggressive and powerful wizard who lived in the early Middle Ages. He is historically significant as one of the earliest known masters of the Elder Wand. In addition to his reputation as a fearsome duellist, he was also a noted expert in the field of Transfiguration, a subject on which he was mentioned by Professor Cuthbert Binns at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Little is known about the early life of Emeric Switch. Historical accounts remember him as a formidable and belligerent wizard who came into possession of the Elder Wand. Wielding this uniquely powerful wand, he established a reign of terror across the south of England. His reputation was that of a duellist who was a menace to all he encountered. His ownership of the Elder Wand was, by its nature, destined to be violent and brief. His life came to an end when he was sought out and killed in a fierce duel by another ambitious wizard, Egbert the Egregious. Upon Emeric's defeat, Egbert became the new master of the wand. Centuries later, Emeric Switch's legacy also endured within academia. During a History of Magic lesson, Professor Cuthbert Binns mentioned him to his first-year students, establishing him as a notable historical figure in the magical world beyond his ownership of the Hallow.

The novels provide no description of Emeric Switch's physical appearance. According to Xenophilius Lovegood's account of the Elder Wand's bloody history, Emeric was an “exceptionally aggressive” wizard. His willingness to use the wand to terrorize a large region of England suggests a personality that was cruel, power-hungry, and confrontational. His moniker, Emeric the Evil, further cements this reputation.

• Duelling: As a master of the Elder Wand, Emeric was an extremely powerful and dangerous duellist. He successfully used the wand to defeat many opponents during his lifetime. However, he was ultimately defeated and killed by Egbert the Egregious, proving that even with the Elder Wand, a wizard is not invincible.
• Transfiguration: Emeric was a recognised expert in Transfiguration. His work was significant enough to be included in the History of Magic curriculum at Hogwarts.

• The Elder Wand: Emeric's most significant possession. He acquired it through unknown means and used it to gain power and notoriety before being killed for it.
• A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration: According to his Famous Wizard Card, Emeric Switch was the author of this textbook on Transfiguration (video game).

• Egbert the Egregious: Egbert was Emeric's killer and successor as master of the Elder Wand. Their only known interaction was their fatal duel.

• Emeric: This is a Germanic name, derived from elements meaning “work” or “power” and “ruler.” This name is highly appropriate for a powerful wizard who wielded the Elder Wand to dominate others.
• Switch: This surname directly alludes to his known expertise in Transfiguration, the magical art of changing one object into another, or “switching” its form and substance.

• Emeric Switch is first mentioned by Professor Cuthbert Binns in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Chapter 8, during a History of Magic lesson, though he is only mentioned by his last name in a list of historical figures.
• His full story regarding the Elder Wand is recounted by Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 21, “The Tale of the Three Brothers”.
• Emeric Switch appeared on a Famous Wizard Card in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets video game. The card lists his dates as “Medieval, dates unknown” and confirms his authorship of A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration.