What happened to the boy isn't quite his fault, but he hadn't managed to help the situation despite his efforts. He had to try better, harder, something in the future. Anders will not be the only abomination saved if he has anything to say about it.

The question draws him out of his thoughts of failure, though, and he blinks at Hermione before answering slowly.

"As in why, initially? Or..." He's had a great many questions asked of him. This one is new. "In the beginning it was, it was something I could do. It was the reason I got to live. If you escaped the Circle once you got punished, twice you were killed. But I was gifted, strong. I got to keep escaping and living. It took seven tries before I finally got out and stayed out. But then..."

His voice is thoughtful, though he takes a moment to shrug, to distance himself a little from this. Being open is not something he does often.

"I kept finding people who I could help. I was, I was working with Compassion then, and with her talking with me I started seeing needs beyond my own. Healing was how I could help. I couldn't give money, or food, or things, but I could heal. It's what I can give."

The words slow down as he looks down. "Our world is broken. It has been for such a long time. In trying to help it I broke it more, but at least I know that healing isn't causing new wounds or tears."