After one last glance around the office Harry shifted slowly back into his phoenix form. He consciously tried to make the shift happen more quickly, to no avail. It still took him over two minutes to shift into that form. However it didn't feel quite as much resistance to his body making the actual change as he did the first time, but it didn't make it feel any better or make it move any faster.
Once the change was complete he rested on the windowsill and then awkwardly turned around to pull the window shut. Harry was certain the theft would eventually be discovered, but there was no need for them to know how he got in.
Harry slowly took flight again and ascended around the large building in a spiral, an action that presented a bit more of a challenge because it had begun to rain steadily.
As he neared the uppermost level, Harry directed his flight toward a specific window. Of course the term window was a misnomer. It was a narrow square cut into the wall, without any glass whatsoever, it was not even wide enough for a person's head to pass through.
Harry landed on the small ledge, and peered inside. He could see a couple of lumps on the floor, but nothing that he would have described of as human sized or shaped. Once he confirmed he was in the right cell, with a bit of work Harry forced himself through the narrow opening.
Once inside Harry settled to the ground of the cell, and looked around the bare room. There was some straw and a small mat, underneath which there seemed to be a small huddled lump. Though Harry thought it was nowhere big enough to be a human. Still a glance at the tray nearby showed that someone had been here to eat the small amount of food served to the prisoners.
Harry shifted back into his human form with a grimace from the stretching and pulling sensation, once more, but he knew he would probably be sore tomorrow. However, he managed to keep quiet until he was fully human again, and had a wand safely in his hand. Once he did, he finally spoke "Regulus Black?"
There was a start from underneath the small mat and then Harry blinked in surprised when he saw a small canine head poke it's head out to regard him in what Harry could only describe as shock.
It took Harry several seconds to process before he chuckled a little bit, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You might as well come out and shift."
The canine seemed to still be regarding him in shock and it took almost a full minute to begin to shift.
Harry had just about been ready to hit him with a spell and drag him out. He was surprised as he saw the full animal form before it began to shift, he wasn't entirely sure but he thought it might be a fox. If a fox was filthy and mangy to the point of near unrecognizability with its matted hair and dark grimy fur.
When the transformation back to human was complete, Harry got another shock, as he found himself staring into a familiar face. There were very subtle differences, but Regulus looked so much like the Sirius from his world that Harry found himself staring a moment before finding his voice. "Impressive, using an animagus form so the dementors won't affect you as badly."
"Who are you and how did you get in here?" His voice halting and raspy, clearly from disuse. He regarded Harry suspiciously. Regulus was clearly wary of his visitor as he stayed backed into the corner. Harry frowned and kept his distance as he regarded Regulus cautiously. "I'm a friend." He said, though Harry was aware that his tone probably inspired little confidence.
Regulus snorted, though it came out as more of a cough. "I don't have friends."
Harry met Regulus' grey eyes as he nodded in acknowledgement, "Okay, then let's say I'm a possible ally."
Regulus regarded him without changing expression. "You didn't answer either of my questions."
Harry frowned at Regulus' lack of response, then answered one of his questions cheekily "I came in through the window."
Regulus blinked and glanced up at the window, high enough up on the wall he'd have to jump to grip the bottom of the frame to pull himself up. Regulus turned his attention back to Harry rather than question the statement that seemed more than a little off, "You still haven't told me who you are and take off the hood so I can see your face."
Harry frowned a moment and then pulled the hood off of his head, with a quick tug. "I told you I'm a friend."
Regulus stared at Harry in surprise, "You're just a kid! How the hell did you even get here?" Clearly Harry's appearance had him repeating his question's at this sudden unexpected intrusion into his cell.
Harry blinked in surprise, he had briefly forgotten his current appearance, and a bit of irritation surfaced, "Right, because things are always as they seem in the magical world. And of course breaking into Azkaban is considered a great way to practice for your OWL practical." Regulus narrowed his eyes, but he certainly couldn't argue that point, sarcastically delivered as it was. "Still doesn't tell me who you are."
Harry rolled his eyes, "My name is Harry. Not that that really tells you anything."
Regulus frowned a little bit, there was something a little familiar about the person in front of him, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Regulus did recognize that Harry was right, "Okay, then why are you here?"
Harry glanced at Regulus expression and decided to be honest. If worst came to worst Harry could always obliviate Regulus. He didn't like obliviation as a general rule, but had long ago come to terms with doing things he might be slightly averse to.
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