He deserved this. The mantra echoed through his head, consuming every other thought. Every drop of blood that spilled, every second of pain, he deserved it.
The familiar feel of relief as cold metal met warmth. Remus Lupin sighed, because he deserved it. Forcing himself to look - the tears mixed with blood. Another sigh, not deep enough to warrant a trip to the hospital wing; not that it mattered, he had an excuse, he always had an excuse.
No one else knew of his secret, no one could guess. The scars covering his body were all self inflicted, though several achieved while in human form. He deserved this. No one could see the difference.
But someone did notice.