Argh. Why is it, that at the start of holidays, we think we'll have so much free time, but then we don't? It's partially my own fault; I only ever write fanfic on a computer, but reading it is easy with my iPod touch. Throw in the fact I've been thoroughly "beamed up" into the Trek fandom, and Stargate Atlantis and other ones…

When uni started again, the original story took priority. So here we are, over a year and a half later. I've been working hard on my original story instead of this. It's now got to the point where I've realised that's…not likely to change. I still have ideas, but what motivation I can spare from uni is directed elsewhere.

I'll be moving to tidy up things over the next few weeks, For example, Sam's story has changed again, for good this time. I'll be moving certain things into oneshot and short-story territory. By the end of semester, What Happened After (this story) will be taken down and all of its chapters converted in some way to being short stories or oneshots. Including the one started last chapter, of course. They'll be tweaked, as I also realised during my absence that the dates were a bit wrong.

Please 'Follow Author' (me) to keep up with when I post the oneshots. After that, postings will be sporadic. I have a Wordpress account and a (infrequently checked, HP-use only) reddit one now… MyZania. Going up soon on my profile will be a list of FF authors and stories which have given me headcanons, too.

Below is what little I managed to finish of this chapter. I hope it makes up for my absence and leaving you on a cliffie. It's dedicated to Gogi91, for following this story. _

On Monday, Harry, Ron and Sam stood with the rest of the auror cadets. Sam had given Helena a hasty explanation of the weekend's trouble – one uncoloured by the inflammatory article that had appeared the day before, in that Sunday's edition of the Prophet. Rita Skeeter had of course written it, and it was designed to stir up the community into thinking that werewolves and other 'dark creatures' were going to be the next "big threat". But never fear, magical people of goodwill, the article claimed, your Ministry is protecting you against the mere possibility of that threat!

Just thinking about it made Harry's blood boil. On Sunday, he had contacted some members of the DA, with the help of Sam, Ron, Hermione and Ginny. But it had been difficult to know who to trust, exactly; Harry knew well that prejudice against werewolves was spread widely across both sides – blood purists and traitors alike. Thanks to Vickers, also, their hands were effectively tied.

Just then, Instructors Henderson and Ackerman stepped in, interrupting Harry's dismal musings. They both paused upon entering, and after looking over all the cadets, exchanged glances and whispers. Then Ackerman turned to face them again, her expression stony.

"Today, we'll be looking into your motivations." She said. Several cadets groaned. Every so often, a test of some sort would be sprung on them, to assess their readiness for becoming an Auror. Some were physical, and some psychological. The nature of the tests didn't always follow whether a class was supposed to be theory or practical either.

It seemed today was one of those days. Ackerman said, "Right. I'm going to call on each of you one at a time. As an added pressure, everyone will hear your responses to my questions. And other cadets listening are not allowed to help their fellow cadet out if he or she struggles." The implied which they will hung in the air.

Harry frowned slightly. Her voice, brisk at the best of times, was quite chilly – and calculating. What was she playing at?

"First up, Helena Bundlore."

Helena stood and answered the questions. She'd joined the Auror Force as it seemed cadets were needed, and after the war she wanted to do something to help, but having little inclination to healing, she had chosen the Force. When Ackerman pointed out that they needed people for safe jobs as well, Helena responded that she'd wished for a more active role with people, rather than stuck in an office. Harry couldn't help but notice Helena's words were phrased carefully. She answered them with a neutral expression, but her narrowed eyes studied Ackerman intently. Harry realised he wasn't the only one to have noticed Ackerman's unusual coldness.

Then it was Sam's turn. "Why did you join the Corps?"
"It seemed like a good thing to do. I've always, erm, wanted to be in it. Sure, a desk job might be safer, but it's more…removed from things. And also, I guess…My aunt's death played a role in the decision. I mean…" he shrugged uncomfortably.

Ackerman regarded him coolly. "You joined because you wanted adventure, and revenge." She clarified.
Sam scowled. "Ah, no, that's not what I said." He stated.
Ackerman smiled coolly. "Really," she replied, drawing out the word.
Sam bristled. "I joined because I wanted to make a difference – no, not just against Death Eaters and other Dark Forces, but more broadly. As in, the more mundane aspects of the Force's work, stuff that needs to be done always, disregarding Dark stuff." He shifted uncomfortably, then shrugged and said, "Ah, hell. Family stuff, Instructor. We like to pretend that we take care of our own – but I've seen things that suggest that isn't the case more often than we'd like to imagine. That's why I joined the Corps." His mouth was set, daring anyone to push further.

Harry stared at him. When this mess with Remus is over, I'm going to have to see if I can find out more about Sam's previous circumstances. He thought. Based on my own and what he's told me already, I've made a few assumptions. I need to see if they're accurate or not.

Ackerman's eyes narrowed. "You're very dedicated to this," she said quietly. Sam inclined his head but didn't say anything, watching her carefully. She went on, glancing back at Harry, "I'm a bit surprised. I have to say I thought your dedication wouldn't be enough to carry you through this week, after…" she trailed off.

Harry started angrily, and opened his mouth to speak, but Sam quickly silenced him with a wave of his hand. Sam stared at Ackerman, then at Henderson. "Oh, hell." He breathed after a moment. "You don't know, do you? You have no idea what really happened on Saturday." He glanced ack. "Harry, Ron, in this case I think we're being too paranoid for our own good."

Ackerman blinked. "Mr Burbage, don't involve your fellows in your questioning," she began.
Sam sighed. "You're testing us now, instead of later in the week, because you saw Harry and Ron – and me, I guess – were here, didn't you? You have no clue about Vickers at all…"
"That's Instructor Vickers, Burbage," Henderson reproved, then asked, "What about him?"

Sam glanced at Harry. "He led the raid on Blossom Burrow after the Wizengamot passed that piece of garbage on Saturday. Which, by the way, I believe was only unanimous because certain members – such as Minister Shacklebolt – weren't informed of the legislation in time to come in and vote." He cleared his throat, "Anyway, at the raid on Saturday, Vickers made it perfectly clear that if he didn't see our faces here on Monday, we'd be rounded up and arrested on suspicion of conspiring against the Ministry regarding these new laws. And that those of our friends already in custody would be affected. They were rather angry, you see, at not being able to find the children."

Ackerman and Henderson stared. "He – he never…" Ackerman began, then shook her head. "My goodness, this is mad!" she exclaimed, "Though if you're right, then some things make more sense." She exchanged a glance with Henderson, then said, "Get to Instructor Henderson's office, you three. He'll discuss more with you there."

They followed Henderson out of the room and along a corridor to his office. There, he let them inside before shutting and locking the door. "Tell me everything." He said. Harry began, telling what had happened with Ron and Sam's help.

Afterwards, Henderson swallowed, then said, "Instructor Vickers should not have been able to make that statement. After all, he questioned you, and found he couldn't incriminate you in the disappearance of the children…" After they nodded, he went on, "Well. I outrank him, and I say…Potter, as one of the missing ones is your godson, I'm giving you family leave. I can't do anything for you, Weasley, Burbage, but there's always owls; you've learnt protections against spying." He glanced at his desk, and muttered, "And I'll see what I can find out about Vickers. Taking such pleasure in leading a raid like that…" he shook his head, then gestured to Harry. "Use my fireplace, the usual door will be locked right now. Say your destination with a password of infinity."

Harry thanked him heartily before nodding to the others, grabbing a pinch of powder and stepping through the Floo.