Disclaimer; I'm obviously not making any money by writing this story, and I don't own anyone you've already heard of.

Summary; When Hermione returns for her 6th year at Hogwarts heartbroken and depressed, Ron and Harry go to enormous lengths to figure the cause of her distress, whilst Ron fights to keep his own feelings for her from intervening. HG/RW & HP/GW

Author's Note; Hey, hope you like this next chapter. And yes, you were correct in guessing that Hermione's break up was with a muggle boy. Thank you reviewers, I love you all to pieces, please keep reading :)

isnani

Emily

How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?

Chapter One; Luckily, We Live In An Ocean

Hermione lay in her bed feeling nothing short of absolutely exhausted. Today she was supposed to be going to Diagon Alley to buy her books for her 6th year at Hogwarts, but she barely had the energy to even get dressed.

"Hermione, Hun,' are you up yet?" her mother called from downstairs. Rolling over, she slid onto the floor and hollered back,

"Give me a sec!" Rummaging through a rather large pile of dirty clothes she had let sit all week, she pulled out a pair of vintage jeans she had worn a few days before, and went to her closet to find a fresh shirt. Choosing a simple white tee, and wrapping her hair up in a messy bun, she pronounced herself presentable and went downstairs to meet her mother.

Mrs. Granger had just finished preparing a quick breakfast of German pancakes and a mild Columbian coffee when her soon-to-be sixteen-year-old daughter made her first appearance for days in the kitchen. Noticing Hermione's pallid face, and staggering walk raised her worries.

"Hermione, sweetheart, eat something. I haven't seen you so pale since your father had his heart surgery."

"What did you make?" she asked, tiredly.

"Here, your favorite!" Mrs. Granger placed a large pan of steaming pancakes on the table. Taking one glance at them, Hermione felt her stomach lurch.

"Oh please Mum, I don't think I can handle them today."

"Well how 'bout some coffee? Honey, I know break ups are terrible, but losing a boy is no reason to stop eating. There are always other fish in the pond, and luckily for you, we live in an ocean. Besides, you'll need the energy if you're going to get all of your books bought today. Normally you can't wait to get out there to do your shopping." Not feeling any hunger whatsoever, but knowing her mother was right, Hermione took a sip of the large mug of coffee that had been set before her. "There, doesn't that taste good?" Hermione gave a half hearted smile, acknowledging her mother's effort, but said nothing more.

Finally pulling up at The Leaky Caldron, Hermione climbed out of the car and pulled her luggage from the trunk, whilst Crookshanks squirmed in her arms.

"Are you sure you want to stay here until school starts, sweetheart?" her mother asked from the driver's seat. "I mean, it could get awfully lonely."

"I'll be okay, Mum. I've stayed her in past years. I just need some... alone time before school starts, you know?"

"Yes, I understand. I did the same thing after my first big break up."

"Yeah."

"Well, here's some extra money just in case. Be sure to find a friend to room with, and send me an owl the moment you get to Hogwarts, agreed?"

"Of course, Mum. Thanks a ton."

"Okay Hun,' have a good time! I love you! And remember to eat!"

"I love you too. See you at Christmas." Hermione faked a smile and watched her dear mother drive out of sight. Maybe during this entire week she would have to herself, she could clear her mind and rediscover her studious self. As much as she hated to admit it, Brad, her now ex boyfriend - God, she would never get used to calling him that - had been absolutely correct in saying that she needed to return to her books. Of course, this year would be hell without him.

Dragging her belongings behind her, with Crookshanks following at her heels, Hermione trudged into The Leaky Caldron to rent a room.