He watched as she scurried to the side, her skirts gathered protectively, and he realized that his approach might have been a tad too aggressive for the friendly game they were playing. He was used to dueling with classmates at school, where there were rules, regulations, and safety measures in place. The casual nature of this game was different, and he didn't want to cause any genuine distress. Anne had almost roasted him alive at the last duel and might have had it not been for Professor Darrow.

Her accusation, that he was patronizing her, however, wasn't lost on him. Even if his actions might have come across that way. But the last thing he wanted was for the game to turn sour or for Millie to feel uncomfortable. He wanted to engage, to be part of the group and enjoy the camaraderie of the game, but he was also aware of the potential consequences. His past as a thief had ingrained in him the importance of caution, and his recent experiences had taught him that even simple games could have unexpected outcomes. He held his wand, uncertain for a moment about how to proceed. It wasn't about patronizing Millie; it was about finding a balance between having fun and safety.

In response to her statement, he didn't answer verbally. Instead, he subtly shifted his wand movement, attempting to cast a binding spell that would gently immobilize her wand hand without causing any harm. His aim wasn't to overpower her or win the game abruptly; he simply wanted to show that he could contribute without going too far. He hoped his actions would convey his intention.