Chapter 8: Half-Breed

Obscurial set out an empty mug as the new Snape approached, and Gestalt was immediately drawn to the newcomer's physique. He was significantly more muscular compared to the other counterparts present, and his robes were more baggy and flowing, as though sewn to provide as much movement as possible. Something about this version of himself was off, much more significantly than those before him, to the point where he questioned the man's very nature.

"Drink?" Obscurial asked.

"Water," the new Snape said.

Obscurial took the mug away and instead poured a glass of water, handing it to him. "Nametag."

The new Snape looked around, seeing that everyone else was wearing a nametag, and took one for himself. The name "Half-Breed" appeared.

"Half-Breed?" Healer asked. "What does that mean?"

"... that would explain what Albus meant," Half-Breed muttered.

"What do you mean?"

Half-Breed took a sip of water and set the glass down. "What do you know of multi-versal theory?"

"I would assume there's something to do with multiple universes existing parallel to one another," Gestalt answered.

"Correct," Half-Breed said, sitting down on one of the stools. He pointed an accusatory finger at Severus and said, "And you're the cause of it all."

"So I've been told."

"But I don't think you know what that means," Half-Breed went on. "Reversing your timeline caused more than just branching or parallel timelines. It fragmented and distorted reality."

"Reality?" Caretaker asked.

"With each new universe coming into existence, the boundary between reality and fantasy blurs. What may be considered fiction in your world is a reality in mine, and vice-versa." Half-Breed took another sip and asked Obscurial, "Do you serve food, by any chance?"

"Cookie's busy with the food," Caretaker answered.

"Cookie?"

"My wife. Lily."

"You as well?" Half-Breed smiled softly. "Fiery woman, isn't she?"

"Obviously," all other Snapes but Gestalt said in unison.

"We're getting off-track," Gestalt said. "What did you mean when you said the boundary between reality and fantasy blurring?"

"Take for example 'The Chronicles of Narnia," Half-Breed explained. "In your world, it's a work of fiction. But in another world, with another Severus Snape, it's reality."

"And what about you, then?" Lycan asked. "Are you from one of those as well?"

Half-Breed nodded. "In your world, there is an illustrated Japanese manga series by the name of 'Dragon Ball'."

"Harry loves that series," Gestalt said, somewhat surprised.

"Yours too?" Caretaker asked.

"He almost loves it as much as Star Wars." Gestalt turned back to Half-Breed as he realized what the latter was implying. "Your world is mixed with that series, then?"

Half-Breed nodded. "I took the liberty of reading this 'Dragon Ball' after I passed on, just to compare notes. It's fairly similar to my own world."

"What happened?" Obscurial asked.

"Well, my father's pod landed in the English countryside," Half-Breed answered. "He was one of two Saiyans- an alien warrior race- to land on Earth. However, he was apprehended by wizarding authorities and made a prisoner after he tried to attack them. Curious about his condition, they allowed him to live alongside humans, but put counteractive measures in place in case he decided to attack again; my mother was made to provide housing for him. Long story short, they ended up together, and I was born."

"... 'alien'?!" Caretaker asked, breaking the long silence that followed.

"That explains the name," Lycan muttered, staring down at the nametag.

"I was the first half-Saiyan born on Earth," Half-Breed continued, "which, needless to say, drew the attention of the Ministry. Albus kept an annoying close eye on me during school. Eventually, when the O.W.L.s incident happened, I had an episode, and Albus thought it was time to take me under his wing. He introduced me to a few people, and they helped me hone my abilities and eventually destroy Voldemort the first time around."

"What happened between you and Lily?" Healer asked.

"We reconciled and ended up having three children: Alice-Marie, Harry, and Marlene, all quarter-Saiyans. May I have more water?"

Obscurial poured more water into the glass as he asked, "And you had a happily ever after, then?"

"Not quite. There were some incidents here and there involving more aliens, visiting another planet, fighting an alien warlord, fighting cyborgs, fighting a clone hybrid, then fighting Voldemort again... to keep it brief, there was a significant amount of fighting involved." Half-Breed took another sip before he turned to the door.

Gestalt felt the same draw, sensing that someone was approaching. "This must be the next one."

Sure enough, another Severus Snape walked in.