Switching is one of the sub-division of Transformation magic - it is the art of magically exchanging physical features between two targets. The only known sub-group of switching is Cross-Species Switches^[1].

NatureEdit

Switching greatly resembles general Transformation, but with with the two main differences: firstly, the features of the two targets are switched simultaneously; secondly, the change in one of the pair is dependent on a change in the other.

It is difficult to gauge the relative difficult of switches exactly compared to other types of transfiguration because the exact year in which they are learn is not known. However, Professor McGonagall was impressed when Hermione knew about switches as a First Year student but was disappointed in Neville for not being able to perform even simple switches by Fourth Year. Therefore, students must start learning switches in Second, Third or (early) Fourth Year (most likely third), earlier than almost all the other branches of transfiguration save transformation.

MethodsEdit

Switching SpellsEdit

The only known method of switching is through the application of Switching spells.

AppearancesEdit

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - (Mentioned multiple times in various forms)
• Harry Potter Trading Card Game

Notes and ReferencesEdit

Transfiguration (class)
Professors: Albus Dumbledore · Minerva McGonagall
Textbooks: A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration · Intermediate Transfiguration · A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration
Known practitioners: Emeric Switch · Circe · Falco Aesalon · Mirabella Plunkett · Thaddeus Thurkell ·
Transfiguration spells studied at Hogwarts: Chair to cat · Match to needle · Snail to Teapot · Teacup to Rat · Switching Spell · Transforming Spell · Avifors Spell · Mice to Snuffboxes · Beetle Buttons · Rabbit Slippers · Teapot to tortoise · Draconifors Spell · Lapifors Spell · Vanishing Spell · Vera Verto · Owl to opera glasses · Guinea fowl to guinea pig · Hedgehog to pincushion · Small Child to Rat · Meddling Man to Monkey
Branches of Transfiguration: Transformation · Vanishment · Conjuration · Untransfiguration