The colossal creature filled the kitchen, its head nearly touching the ceiling. It regarded the strained beams with a puzzled tilt of its head before slowly, heavily, sitting down. It then extended its massive snout towards Anthony.
He cautiously patted its nose, the coarse fur surprisingly rough against his hand.
The bear nuzzled its head affectionately against Anthony's shoulder, forcing him to step back and lean against the cupboards for support. He cradled the enormous, fluffy head in his hands until it gently dissipated.
The kitchen was unharmed. The ceiling remained intact, the kettle continued its soft whistling on the stove, and snowflakes still fell silently outside the window.
"What did I summon?" Anthony asked the cat.
The skeletal cat hopped down from the stove, tentatively pawed the spot where the bear had appeared, then shook its paws and returned to the living room sofa without a backward glance.
...
Later, sitting in a restaurant, Anthony pondered what had gone wrong to summon such a massive, black "Patronus." Aside from its warmth, neither the color nor the size was quite right.
Perhaps it was life's way of surprising him. It was like ordering spaghetti bolognese and receiving pesto pasta instead.
Fortunately, he liked basil too.
"Everything alright, Henry?" Professor Burbage inquired, noticing his gaze fixed on the levitating spaghetti before him.
She happened to be visiting the London Christmas market and, remembering Anthony's interest in the school dinner, had sent him a letter inviting him to join her.
Anthony had never imagined that British wizards celebrated Christmas too. In his time at Hogwarts, he had never seen so many adult wizards gathered in one place.
These fun-loving wizards had created a magical imitation of a Muggle Christmas market. Mulled wine was sold at the entrance, served in singing cups, kept warm by magic, and wafting with cinnamon scent.
Food stalls lined the lively streets, and a magically impervious snowman stood tall. The Christmas tree was enormous—Anthony assumed that Muggle-repelling and Confundus charms must be in full effect to conceal such a spectacle from non-magical eyes. Honeydukes had a prominent stall, its display filled with squeaking sugar mice wearing tiny Santa hats.
Magically constructed restaurants surrounded the market, each proudly displaying their regional cuisine: French, Italian, Greek, and of course, Turkish kebab. Customers sat at tables indoors and outdoors, enjoying their meals.
As he chatted with Professor Burbage, Anthony decided to tell Kevin about this place. He was sure the Jones family would love it.
Perhaps not interested in the wizard dressed as a reindeer, soaring across the market on a broomstick, but certainly a unique experience nonetheless.
"How are you finding everything, Henry?" Professor Burbage inquired, watching as Anthony lifted a forkful of pesto pasta to his mouth.
He had accepted the basil-laden dish. It was the same price, after all, and in such a bustling environment, requesting a replacement would likely involve shouting and a lengthy wait.
The flustered new waiter, however, had made amends by bringing him a generous glass of lemonade.
...
"Couldn't be better," Anthony replied honestly.
He was back living with the skeletal cat and Wraith Chicken. He had discovered a bright young wizard lived next door. His former colleagues at the convenience store had welcomed him back warmly, insisting on a 50% discount despite the fact that none of the food was close to expiring. He had caught up on all the news of the store's happenings in his absence.
His friendly neighbor, upon hearing of his return and empty pantry, had nearly given him half the contents of her refrigerator.
"It's your Christmas present!" she had declared, accepting his cookies in return. "A bit late, but you can't make me take it back, can you, Mr. Anthony?"
Anthony never regretted his resurrection. He loved this place, this realm that was neither heaven nor hell, with all his heart.