Padma tensed as Faelan made his opinion of Barty clear.
"I'm so glad you're able to judge someone without hearing the whole story," Padma said. "It must be quite a talent, to be able to do that. And I'm delighted to hear that you think I'm stupid enough to be friends with someone like that."
Padma took a deep breath. "Allow me to tell you what happened. Barty did not give me a concussion. He saved my life. I was attacked from behind and fell, and the man was about to finish me off when Barty protected me. And the reason he hurt Debi was that he had a split personality, which merged after he was injured protecting me. Debi was hurt by the evil part. Barty regrets what he did and is prepared to take whatever punishment the Wizengamot feels he deserves, though I think he ought to be pardoned due to extenuating circumstances."
Padma paused and took a bite of her sandwich. "As for his past murders, he was tried, convicted, and Kissed for it. He was returned to life by Bellatrix Lestrange, who tortured him and twisted him to be the person he used to be. But he's not that person anymore. He deserves a second chance."