It has been my experience that rumour pays little attention to one's actual deeds when it decides to christen someone with the title of hero or failure. It is wisest not to protest; doing so will only convince the most determined that it is false modesty, and cause rumour to strengthen.

Please do not fall into the trap of self-recrimination; it is exceptionally difficult for two people to fight in tandem in close quarters, without having practised doing so, and not get in each others' way at least somewhat. That it was you striking me rather than the reverse was simply chance and greater experience. Had I found you more hindrance than help I would have sent you away, as would I have done had I thought you incapable of defending yourself successfully, but you performed very well.

There are not many students I would have allowed to join me in that fight; Severus Snape is an exceptionally dangerous man and a fugitive from Our Lord's justice, who is a powerful opponent for even the most seasoned duellist. His time in Azkaban has clearly only made him more dangerous. I do not know how long he has been impersonating Milland, but we will do our best to find out.

I will stop by tomorrow to see how you are doing. We can discuss the possibility of further training in the future, should you wish it; I would be pleased to have you fight at my side again, should it become necessary, and at the very least you should know more techniques for fighting side-by-side with someone without getting in each others' way.

I am very glad you are not irreparably injured.

I know that you have trained in tandem duelling in CCF, but if you will recall, I also taught you all that the reason Aurors and Our Lord's Council train so often in tandem duelling, and with as wide a range of partners as possible, is because one must do a great deal of training to have a hope of doing so successfully in the heat of an actual battle. It takes years for the skill to be second nature, Mr Finch-Fletchley. Do not berate yourself for a single slip, particularly when you are not accustomed to fighting for your life rather than for a duellist's trophy.

If you cannot sleep, I am certain Madam Pomfrey can provide you with a sleeping draught. Get some rest and allow your body to heal. We can discuss matters further tomorrow, or in a day or two.

You did very well today.