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 got 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 everyone, what happened to Krum will be revealed in good time, thank you so much for your support, reviewers! :) I would have chapters up quicker, but every chapter I write, I have to e-mail to my sister. For some reason, my computer won't even open up internet explorer files. Really odd.

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How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?

Chapter Three; Little White Lie

"Really, Hermione, when you didn't even write," Ginny continued, "well, we were worried something had happened to you."

Something did happen. "Yeah, well uh... I'm here now." How about we change the subject, damnit! "Are Harry and Ron with you?"

"Oh yes, they're inside having drinks with Mum and Dad. Let's go get them!" Ginny suggested eagerly. Hermione knew she just wanted to get all of her books bought quickly so that she could meet up with her boyfriend, Dean Thomas, a little later. Hermione grabbed her arm as she turned for the pub.

"Wait, wait! Ginny, I... please, I really don't want to see them just yet."

"Oh Hermione, don't be ridiculous! They've been wanting to see you all summer long!"

"Well, that's great, but uh..." Think, Hermione, think! "Look, I'm glad they've been thinking of me, but I'm not exactly... presentable."

"Presentable? Seriously," Ginny asked, flustered, "You're perfectly right, you do look pretty shabby today ("Thanks a bunch Gin.") but... since when has being presentable ever been an issue to you? Does Hermione have a little infatuation with a certain someone she forgot to tell me about? Hmm?" Ginny winked, "I mean... if it helps, I'm sure Ron feels the same way about you."

"Ginny! Of course not!" Hermione gasped.

"Okay, sorry, just checking." Ginny smirked. For some reason, she had never quite been able to believe Hermione's denials.

"No, it's not that being presentable really is an issue, just... well look at me, I'm a complete mess. This isn't just a little shabby, this is..." Hermione motioned to her unwashed hair, and chalky complexion, "a disaster."

"Yep, I see your point... but..." Ginny studied her for a moment, before grabbing her hand and dragging her into the pub nonetheless, "since it isn't a crush, how you look shouldn't be important to your best friends. Let's go."

Hermione's protests were ignored as she was shoved through the Leaky Caldron's back door. Just her luck, she smacked right into an unsuspecting red-head, who was on his way out.

"Ron! Oh God, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to run--"

"Hermione!" Ron cut her off. "Where have you been, you.... ouch, you bumped me in the nose." He gently rubbed what was turning into a very large bruise, as Ginny pushed her way past an unmoving Hermione into the pub.

"Sorry, my fault," Ginny apologized. "Hey Harry! Look who I found!" she shouted across the pub, waving him over." Oh please, just let them go away. I don't think I can handle this right now, Hermione was silently begging.

Harry strode over, finishing a butterbeer. "Hey Hermione, we've missed you! What's been up lately?"

For some reason, she suddenly felt very uncomfortable as she realized she was standing incredibly close to two very tall, cut boys. It was almost uncomfortable that she had even noticed how tall, and cut they were. Jesus, it's just Harry and Ron, and I've been around them a million times; what is my problem? She suspected it was for the single reason of having learnt a little something from Brad. She now understood why the body was such an amazing, useful tool, and exactly what she was capable of doing with hers. Maybe, it was a question of what they might be capable of doing with theirs... Hmm...that was an interesting thought... WAIT! Whoa, rewind! Stop, stop, STOP! I am NOT thinking about this. They're are just normal teenage boys, with normal teenage bodies. NOTHING arousing about that. I probably just feel a little odd because this is my first time being around the boys since acquiring a taste, or more like a three course meal, of physical experience.

"Hermione.... ? HERMIONE! Are you in there?" Ron's voice jerked her out of her muse, which she almost felt guilty for having. "Are you okay? You look a bit flushed."

"Well, ... I..." She had gone completely blank.

"You?" They were all staring at her.

Not knowing what else to do, and lacking the brain power at the point to even carry on a coherent conversation, she took her leave. "Uh... please excuse me, I'm really not feeling well. I think I should return to my room."

"Er... okay... Hermione....? If you say so. We were gonna invite you to go shopping with us, but I guess if you don't want to, well..."

"Thanks Harry, I just... I'm sorry, I need to lay down. My stomach's been kind of dodgy all morning and I'm really not up to it." You little liar.

"Well, is there anything we can do to help?" Ron asked, overly concerned.

"Nah, I'll be fine." She started up the stairs, thankful to get away from the inquiries.

"Okay, well..." he called after her, "expect a visit later on. I'll bring you up something to eat."

Hermione stopped on the last stair. Great, just what I want. Something to eat... Feeling an overwhelming urge to hurl at the thought of food, but appreciative of the idea, she acknowledged his offer with a 'Thanks' but made no specific requests concerning whatever he should bring.

Once Hermione was out of earshot, Ginny turned to the boys, highly suspicious. "What do you suppose has gotten into her? She's been completely vague since I ran into her outside. You don't think anyone's ...ya know, done something to her, do you?"

"I don't know," Ron whispered, "but that's sure not the Hermione I remember. Usually she has a million things to say."

"Oh, come on guys," Harry reassured them. "Her summers are spent with muggles. Hate to break it to you, but it's a much more stressful world than this one. She probably had to listen to her parents talk about all of their bills and how much overtime they had to work, being dentists and all; there could be a thousand things she's thinking about. Who knows, they could even be getting a divorce, they could be in debt, her grandpa could've just died, you never know, but I don't think we should worry too much. Hermione's very adaptable, and I'm sure she'll tell us soon enough."

"Yeah, you're right," Ginny sighed. "Most likely, she just on her period."

"Ginny! We didn't wanna hear that!"

Both boys plugged their reddening ears.