"Your magic doesn't come from a wand...it comes from within."

WillowShine has never flown high above the clouds, where her troubles melt away...where bullies and hurtful words can't touch her. In fact, she doesn't even HAVE wings. She knows zilch magic, has never cracked any riddles...and has NEVER spoken to ancient creatures.

All she's ever known is a horrible, boring life with her selfish stepfather, Rusty Diamond, and her two, snotty stepsisters: Silke and Velvette. Of course, no daughters with a daddy that's filthy rich can resist picking on their servants; so of course, Silke and Velvette find their fun in teasing WillowShine...calling her a blank-flank, and jeering that she can't do any magic. WillowShine can't say anything back, or Rusty Diamond would send her straight to the curb before she could yell, 'No!'

WillowShine is doomed to a life of torment...and rudeness that would drive anypony out of their minds.

But all that is about to change when she meets a mysterious stallion with a monocle, bearing a message that will change her life forever.

(Warning: This is inspired by Harry Potter, so there are some similarities to Hogwarts and Harry Potter themes. )

Her parents, and her big sister, were killed in a hot air-balloon ride when she was just a newborn. Ever since then, she's gone from town to town, searching for work, living in poverty.
She has always been fascinated by the world of books and myths.
She still doesn't have her Cutiemark.
Her name is Graphite Star, and she's about to discover that while the prospect may look black, there's always a light that shines through the dark.

Her eyes...they're like meadows.
Her hair is so messy and beautiful.
Her freckles are so adorable.
EW! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?!?

CandleFlicker, a unicorn-stallion, is the star student of Princess Luna. He has powerful magic, and the ability to absorb knowledge like a sponge. He is an expert at controlling fire...he even has his own pet Phoenix. The only thing CandleFlicker CAN'T do is make friends. Or socialize very well.

Princess Luna soon begins to notice that he turns down every invite, every event, just so he can study. Alarmed, she asks Princess Twilight Sparkle for advice, and the plan they come up with is genius. Princess Luna sends CandleFlicker to Ponyville, just like Princess Celestia did with Twilight.

When CandleFlicker gets there, a certain pink pony throws him a surprise party, so he is forced to socialize with EVERYPONY in town. He's introduced to the entire gang...Pinkie Pie, Rarity, RainbowDash, Fluttershy...even TWILIGHT, who's come down for the occasion. He meets tons of other ponies...so many that he can't keep track.

But when Pinkie Pie introduces CandleFlicker to a certain freckle-faced pony, his entire life changes.