Chapter 15
James and Severus, who had been exchanging light banter, suddenly went silent. Their faces shifted from casual interest to shock. Severus, always the composed one, looked momentarily speechless. James blinked rapidly, as if trying to process what his son had just said.
"Aetherborn?" James repeated, glancing at Severus for confirmation. Severus's dark eyes widened, something close to fear flashing through them.
Severus took a deep breath. "Hadrian," he said carefully, "being an Aetherborn is... not something to take lightly. The Snape bloodline has a rare connection to aether magic, yes, but it hasn’t manifested in generations."
James leaned forward, his tone now serious. "The Aetherborn are beings who possess a deep connection to the very fabric of magic itself. They can manipulate raw magic in ways most wizards can’t even comprehend. It’s not just about casting stronger spells—it’s about tapping into something primordial. Magic in its purest form."
Hadrian frowned. "But what does that mean for me? What does being Aetherborn actually do?"
Severus looked contemplative. "Aetherborn traits manifest in various ways, most of them subtle at first. Your magic is likely more fluid, more instinctive. You may have already noticed changes—your appearance, your senses, your abilities. It's as if you're not entirely bound by the laws that govern ordinary wizards."
James nodded. "Your eyes, your skin—these things will shift as your emotions and magic flow. But it's more than that. Aetherborns have a deeper connection to life and death, to the energy that binds all things. They often feel more... philosophical about existence, probably because their lifespans can be unpredictable."
Severus’s voice dropped to a softer tone. "The last known Aetherborn in our family was Cadmus Snape, a warlock who lived centuries ago. His power was immense, but it came with a price. His emotions, his very soul, were intertwined with his magic. He loved deeply, and when his mate—an Aetherborn from the Peverell line—died, he was consumed by grief. His power spiraled out of control. They say entire regions felt the ripple of his magic when he mourned."
Hadrian swallowed. "So, what you're saying is that Aetherborns have mates?"
James nodded. "Yes. Aetherborns are bound to a soulmate, someone who balances their power. The bond is deeper than anything else in our world. It’s not always romantic, but it’s always necessary. Without that bond, an Aetherborn's magic can become unstable. That’s what happened to Cadmus—he couldn’t control his power after his mate’s death."
Severus added, "Finding a mate isn't straightforward. It can be an agonizing process because it’s not something you choose. You’ll feel a pull, a connection to someone. But until you find them, you’re vulnerable. Unstable. And, Hadrian, there are those who know this—those who would seek to control an Aetherborn, to sell them to the highest bidder."
James leaned back, a worried frown creasing his face. "The magical world views an Aetherborn as a weapon. If anyone finds out what you are, they’ll want to use your power for their own gain. That’s why we need to be careful. Very few people can be trusted with this information."
Hadrian sat in stunned silence, trying to process the enormity of what they'd told him. The thought of being sold, of people wanting to control him, chilled him to the bone. He thought of Viktor, of how his Aetherborn nature might affect their growing relationship, and what it might mean if others found out.
Severus placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression softening. "We will protect you, Hadrian. But this power... it's both a gift and a burden. You must understand that."
Hadrian nodded slowly, his mind swirling with thoughts of soulmates, power, and danger. It was a lot to take in, but deep down, he knew this revelation would change everything.
As Hadrian sat processing the weight of being an Aetherborn, James cleared his throat, leaning in to catch his son's attention. "There’s something else about being an Aetherborn that might help explain a part of you you’ve already come to know—your art."
Hadrian looked up, surprised. "My art? What does that have to do with being an Aetherborn?"
James smiled softly. "Aetherborn have a unique way of seeing the world. It’s not just about magic. They have an instinctual ability to tap into the essence of things—the core of what makes something real. That’s why your art is so powerful. It’s not just talent, Hadrian. It’s your Aetherborn nature. You can see beneath the surface, capture the emotions, the life, the energy of whatever you draw. That’s why your sketches often feel so... alive."
Severus nodded in agreement. "It’s a form of magic in itself, your ability to create something that feels more real than just a picture. When you draw, you’re channeling aether, the same way you would when casting a spell. Only for you, it manifests through art. That’s why your sketches of Viktor, for example, seem to almost breathe with life."
James’s voice softened. "It’s not just about seeing with your eyes, but with your soul. You’re capturing the essence of things, moments, people. It’s part of who you are. An Aetherborn’s magic isn’t just about raw power—it’s about connection. Your art is a manifestation of that connection, a reflection of the world through the lens of your magic."
Hadrian sat back, his mind spinning. His art—something that had always been a refuge for him, a way to express himself—was tied to his Aetherborn nature. It wasn’t just skill. It was magic, the very essence of who he was.
James gave him a reassuring smile. "It’s something to embrace, Hadrian. Your art is a gift, a way for you to channel and control your magic. But it also means that what you create has power. Be mindful of it. Your drawings, your paintings—they’re not just art. They’re a reflection of your magic, and that’s something others may notice."
Severus, always pragmatic, added, "But it can also be a way to strengthen your connection to your abilities. The more you embrace that side of yourself, the more control you’ll have over your magic. And in the future, it may even help you find balance—especially when it comes to finding your mate."
Hadrian looked between his fathers, feeling a newfound appreciation for his art, but also the weight of responsibility that came with it. His sketches, his drawings—they weren’t just expressions of creativity. They were part of his identity, part of the magic that flowed through him. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.