Tonks's POV
Every part of me ached. My eyelids felt heavy as I tried to open them. When I did, the bright light nearly blinded me. Everything was blurry for a couple of seconds. As the room spun into focus, I realized where I was. St. Mungos. I must have been taken there after the battle. The battle . . .
With a jolt, I realized that I wasn't alone. Remus was there, sitting by my bed. He looked like he hadn't slept for days. He obviously hadn't shaved or taken a shadow, and the shadows under his eyes were bigger than ever. For the first time, I really noticed his gray hair, and how much stress he's always in.
"Remus . . ." I said, getting some more strength. He started; he probably thought I was still asleep.
"Nymphadora, you're awake. Good."
"Did we win? The battle, did we win?" The question had been haunting me ever since I woke up a minute ago.
"Yes, we won." said Remus. "Dumbledore arrived and captured up all the Death Eaters, except for Bellatrix Lestrange. Voldemort arrived shortly after Dumbledore. They dueled, and He-Voldemort-escaped with Bellatrix. Not after the ministry saw them."
"Oh, that's good." I said. "Now they know He's back." I relaxed, and then froze again. "Were there any other causalities?"
"A couple of the kids were hurt, but nothing serious. They're much better now. Mad-Eye and Kingsley both fell, but they're fine. And you, of course."
"Oh. Any deaths?" I asked, tense.
"Just one. On our side." Remus said, but didn't continue. I had a sinking feeling in my gut. My gut knew, but I needed to hear it to confirm. To make it real. Remus got up. "Sirius," he said as he left. Before the door swung shut, I thought I could hear a sob.
I was shocked, and depressed. My cousin, the fighter was dead. I bit my lip to stop the oncoming tears. I had to be strong. This was war, and I knew what I was signing up for. I thought I did at least. This pain was so great though. I took a deep breath and vowed to avenge Sirius's death.
The next day, Mad-Eye visited me. He seemed really relieved. He refused to say who Sirius's murderer was, but I kept on insisting. Finally, he gave in. It was Bellatrix.