Here's a scenario that I thought could play out. Harry meets a girl who happens to be the daughter of a social worker, and she gets him to open up some. It's a work-in-progress, and here's a spoiler:

Lilah is going to be a Hufflepuff, and Harry goes into Gryffindor. Ruh Roh, Raggy.

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Harry felt something as soon as he stepped foot on the Hogwarts Express. The feeling of safety. The feeling that his days of being with the Dursleys would soon be a distant memory. The physical, mental, and emotional trauma they caused.

Harry was eleven, but was closer to a nine year old in size. He was perpetually deprived of quality nutrition and did not get ample exercise. He had gone all-in in thinking that this train was a one-way ticket to a brighter future.

He found an empty compartment and stretched his scrawny legs. He secretly wished he had parents to wave good-bye to as he saw several adults waving to students boarding the train, but he didn't dwell on it too much.

Harry soon felt the train jolt a bit, and heard the loud rumbling of the wheels grind on the track. He watched the train starting gradually disappear from view, and it wasn't long before the city turned to green countryside.

Harry was deprived of many things, but he had really wanted companionship more than anything. He couldn't be by himself this whole train ride, could he? Was he that repulsive? Or that boring? Whatever it was, he sure found himself just as isolated here on the train as he was back with the Dursleys.

It wasn't long before his prayers were answered. He heard a gentle knock on the compartment door. A girl in what appeared to be a school uniform peeked her head in.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I sit here?" she asked politely.

"I don't mind," Harry replied.

The girl must have been Harry's age, but she was at least three inches taller. Her hair was honey blonde and silky smooth, pulled back into a tidy ponytail. Her eyes were silver-grey, almost icy in color. Her nose was rather pointed, but not unflatteringly so. And it looked like her left earlobe was a smidge bigger than the right, but maybe it just seemed that way. Her lips were a bit on the thin side, but otherwise she was very cute, thought Harry. Were all Hogwarts witches this cute, or was she the exception?

The girl smiled at Harry. "I'm Lilah Darling. I don't think we've met."

Harry returned the smile. "Hi Lilah, I'm Harry. Harry Potter."

Lilah gasped. "THE Harry Potter? I've heard of you. You are a bit of a big deal, you know."

Harry chuckled. "I'm just plain old Harry from Surrey."

Lilah giggled. "You're being modest. I like you already, Harry. I take it you're excited to leave home for the first time? By yourself at least?"

Harry nodded. "That might be an understatement."

Lilah saw a bit of worry in Harry's face. "It's my first time too. I turn twelve in three days - it will be my first birthday without my parents. It's going to be very different, that's for sure. But I'm excited just the same."

Harry smiled at Lilah. "I could use a friend. I've never really had one. You seem very nice, I'd be delighted if you'd be my first. And happy early birthday, Lilah."

Lilah returned the smile. "Thank you, Harry. A new friend would be rather nice birthday gift. I'd be delighted to be your friend too."

A kind witch pushing a cart of sweet treats approached their compartment. "Hello dears, would you care for some treats?"

Harry was so hungry he couldn't see straight. "I'd like a bit of everything, please," he said politely. He felt the coins clinking around in his pocket as he reached in to grab some.

"Thank you," Harry said as he exchanged some sickles for sweets.

"Would you care for a snack or two?" Harry asked Lilah.

"Maybe later," Lilah replied sweetly.

Harry was wolfing down his goodies so fast that Lilah started to stare.

"Oh my goodness, Harry. Are you all right? You act like you haven't eaten in weeks," she declared.

Harry's cheeks flushed in shame. "I'm sorry, Lilah, I guess you could say something like that."

Lilah gave Harry a puzzled look. "Did you have problems at home? It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, but I do want to try and help."

Harry sighed. "It's a long story, Lilah. Maybe another time perhaps."

Lilah nodded respectfully. "It's okay, Harry, I understand."

Harry gave her a look, like he was reminiscing. "Lilah... that's a pretty name. Not unlike my mum's - she was the late Lily Evans Potter. She was a witch but she died in an explosion just about ten years ago."

Lilah smiled. "Yes, Lily and Lilah are similar names - they both mean 'purple'".

She continued. "I'm sorry to hear about your mum. She must have been a fantastic witch. I'm what wizards call 'Muggle born' - my family is not magical. My father is a draughtsman and my mum is a social worker. Not glamourous jobs, but I never went hungry, and I never felt unloved."

Harry smiled sadly. "It sounds like you come from a good home."

Lilah flashed a bright, reassuring smile.

"So what do you know about Hogwarts, Lilah?" Harry asked.

"Honestly, not a ton. I've skimmed through the books but didn't really do much in-depth reading," replied Lilah.

Harry nodded. "Do you know any spells, perhaps?"

Lilah tilted her head a bit. "A few, but not many. Let me crack this dusty thing open and see if there's something we can try. One moment please." She pulled out a rather heavy looking tome and flipped through the pages.

"Let's see here... hmm... I hope you don't mind being a Guinea pig for a minute, Harry."

Harry shrugged. "What's in it for me?"

Lilah giggled. "I'll give you a kiss if you let me practice a spell on you. How's that?"

Harry shrugged. "Sure, why not. Just not on the lips, please."

Lilah smiled. "As you wish, Harry." Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Hmm... your glasses do look a bit rough around the edges. I found a simple repair spell that should help. I've never done this before, so I hope this works." She pointed her wand at Harry's face, just above his nose. "Oculus... reparo!"

Harry took his glasses off to examine them. Good as new! "Wow, Lilah... thanks!"

Lilah smirked, and beckoned Harry with her index finger. She grabbed him by the collar and planted a big, moist smooch on his forehead.

Harry felt slightly embarrassed, and slightly giddy.

"Don't get too used to that, Harry," Lilah said with a sly grin. "Now, the sun will be setting in not too long so now would be a good time to change into your school robes. There's a loo to your right. I'll make sure nobody takes your spot in the meantime."

"Got it. Thanks, Lilah! I'll be back in a few."

Harry stepped outside the compartment with his bag of school clothes. He returned to the compartment several minutes later. Much to his chagrin, he heard Lilah giggling.

"Oh Harry, you need some help, don't you? You haven't worn neckties much, I take it. Come here, please."

Harry walked over to Lilah. She smiled warmly at him. "Harry, I'm going to teach you a basic knot style. It's called the "four-in-hand-knot". It's not as fancy as say, a half-windsor, but it will do. Let me show you." She demonstrated the not in front of Harry. "Now you try."

Harry took the plain black tie back from Lilah with a bit of trepidation. He placed it over his neck, and deliberately looped one end over the other. "Over, under, through..." he thought to himself as he tried to make a passable knot. He saw Lilah stifling giggles as he attempted the simple knot.

"Too cute, Harry, really you are," Lilah laughed. "Good job, at least you did it, though it was rather sloppy. You just need to keep practising, you'll get it down quickly enough. I promise. I suppose there's always those tasteless 'clip ons', but you're above that, I'm sure." She smiled at Harry, and undid Harry's tie, and re-tied it more tidily. "Much better," she said with a bright smile.

"Thanks, Lilah," Harry said. "You're a life saver. In more ways than one." He smiled at her gratefully. "You're a terrific first real friend."

Lilah beamed at Harry. "You're a terrific friend yourself. And I promise, I'll only be the first of many."

"Lilah, may I ask you a personal question?" Harry asked.

"Anything, Harry," Lilah answered sincerely.

"You're the child of a social worker. Your mother must be a very kind and patient woman to do that. Did you see anything... alarming personally? I'm just curious."

Lilah shook her head. "No, thankfully. My mother has told me some stories, but if I had a picture to put to those words, I would likely have horrible nightmares. My heart goes out to those children that she's helped - it really does."

"Thank you, Lilah," Harry said. "Thank you for being my friend. That means the world to me." A tear flowed down his cheek as he embraced Lilah warmly.

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Harry had left Surrey just a few hours before, and he had already made a real, live friend. He still couldn't believe his luck at how quickly that happened. Lilah Darling had been nothing but kind, caring, and patient with him. He finally found the 'happy place' he so desperately craved. Harry was on cloud nine - he actually had someone to share treats with, someone to share a laugh with, someone to appreciate him.

"So, Lilah, have you met anyone else on the train?" Harry asked innocently. "Other than yourself, I haven't seen any of the other students."

Lilah thought for a moment. "A few, but not many. There's a cad named Draco Malfoy a few compartments over. He's got the slicked-back blonde hair and a smug expression on his face. He didn't really seem to think very much of me as I'm not what he calls a 'pureblood'. I really wanted to bust his lip open."

Harry nodded. "I seem to remember him back at Diagon Alley a while back. Yes, 'smug' is a very good way to describe him. He's definitely bad news."

Lilah smiled. "Thankfully, there's much kinder children on this train. There's a ginger... I think his name was either Donald or Ronald, I forgot which. He seems like a sweet boy. He had a handful of meat pies with him. He was kind enough to offer me one. He might be someone you'd be interested in acquainting yourself with when you get off the train.

And there's this frizzy-haired brunette girl as well, she asked me if I saw another boy's pet amphibian. Really unusual name. Think it was Calliope or something like along those lines, I don't rightly remember. She seems fairly sweet, but perhaps a bit bossy. She kept going on and on about all the books she's read on magic... I told her, 'I get it, you're bright, but you're really just showing off.' Don't get me wrong, studying is important, but I think she is taking it a bit too far. She must be a Muggle-born too, because when I told her my name, she sang that bloody Beatles song "Oh Darling". I gave her the biggest eyeroll I could manage."

Harry guffawed at that. "Well, two out of those three sound like they have potential. Especially that Ron-Don lad, he sounds like he could be a true keeper. I'll definitely keep an eye out for him." Lilah smiled as she nodded.

The rolling green countryside gradually faded into a sea of dark blues and purples, with countless white dots sprinkling the sky. "We must not be too far from the castle," murmured Lilah.

It wasn't long before Harry and Lilah heard the squealing of brakes, and felt the grumbling vibrations below their feet. A few minutes later, the train had lurched to a complete stop.

A few moments later, Harry heard a familiar sound barking from outside: "First years! First years! This way! Step lively!" A very large bearded man with a lantern was gesturing to the first-year students to follow him. Lilah saw a huge smile creep on Harry's face, a smile she hadn't seen before. Harry grabbed Lilah by the hand and did his best to navigate through the cluster of children - he just had to say hello to Hagrid and introduce him to his brand new friend.

"Hagrid! Hagrid! It's me, Harry Potter!" he called out, hoping that Hagrid could hear his voice above the din. He waved his hand high in the air, hoping that he could be seen.

Hagrid finally seemed to take notice of Harry. "Harry? Harry Potter? Oh Merlin, it's so good ter see yer! And it looks like yer found yerself a new friend, too! And who might yer be, miss?"

"Lilah Darling, sir," Lilah answered in her posh Received dialect.

Hagrid smiled at her. "Lilah... that's a right pretty name there. Not terribly common, if I might say so, but right pretty." The glint of his lantern revealed his kindly eyes to Harry and Lilah. "Rubeus Hagrid, Hogwarts Gamekeeper at yer service, but most folks simply call me 'Hagrid'. I'm pleased ter meet yer, Lilah."

Lilah smiled back. "And I'm pleased to meet you, Hagrid. Harry seems to know you, so if he likes you, you must be a good person."

"Thank yer," Hagrid replied. "And yer must be a good one yerself if Harry finds yer good company. Now, if yer will excuse me, we have places ter go." Hagrid stepped back to give himself a bit of room, and resumed barking out instructions to students. "First years, this way please!"

A gaggle of first years lined up behind Hagrid, and as soon as they were all assembled, he led them to a dock with many rowboats waiting for them.

"Four ter a boat," Hagrid called out to the students. "Water is too cold fer a swim so boats it is tonight," he added with a laugh.

Harry and Lilah got into one of the rowboats together. The other two with them seemed to be the redheaded boy that Lilah described, and a shy brown-haired boy who seemed to be a little distraught.

Harry smiled at the red-haired boy. "Hello there," he said. "I'm Harry Potter. Lilah here told me you would make a good friend."

The red haired boy's face lit up. "Harry Potter? No way! You'll have to show me the scar when we get inside... I'm Ron Weasley, by the way." He offered his hand to Harry, who accepted it gratefully.

"Ron," Lilah said as if she were making a mental note.

Ron looked at Lilah. "Hi, Lilah, what's up?"

Lilah shook her head sweetly. "I'm sorry, Ron. I just wanted to make sure I got your name down. I knew it was either Ronald or Donald, but now I know for sure. Thank you."

Ron simply smiled at Lilah. "I like your name, by the way. Lilah... it's very pretty. Not many girls named Lilah."

Lilah beamed at Ron. "You're right, not many. But I rather like it that way, Ron."

Harry tried reaching out to the other, shy boy. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name. I'm Harry. Harry Potter."

"Oh hello, Harry. I'm Neville Longbottom. You'll have to forgive me, I'm still trying to find my toad, Trevor. Please let me know if you see him. I know he's not far, but he has this nasty habit of escaping me all the time."

Harry smiled. "I promise I'll let you know, Neville. Glad to meet you, by the way."

Several minutes later, the students had crossed the lake and continued their trek to the castle. They made their way inside, and up a number of steps. When they reached the top of the steps, they were immediately greeted by a witch clad in green. She looked a little stern, Harry thought, but not unkind.

The witch in green greeted the students. "Welcome to Hogwarts, students. I am Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. The Start-of-Term Feast will commence shortly, but first things first, you must be sorted into one of four houses. They are, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Good deeds will earn your house points... any rule violations will lose your house points. At the end of term, the house with the most points, wins the House Cup. Does anybody have any questions?" She paused to allow the newcomers to think of any questions or concerns.

"Very well then. The sorting will commence momentarily. Wait here, please."

Something on the ground caught Lilah's eye, it was brown and had bulbous eyes. She gently picked it up, and turned around. "Is this yours, Neville?" she asked sweetly.

Neville practically jumped for joy. "Trevor!" he exclaimed. "Thank you, Lilah."