Xavier was born to Vincent Thorpe, a famous psychic, and an unknown mother. He has psychic visions, mostly in his dreams. He is an amazing artist and frequently paints his visions on canvas. He also has the ability to make his drawings come to life—a power which he doesn't have much control over.

As a teenager, Xavier attends Nevermore Academy. He was placed in a dorm with Rowan Laslow, and they got along well. He dated the popular siren, Bianca Barclay (they are now broken up), and joined the Nightshade Society at some point. Because he fixed and renovated an abandoned workshop on Nevermore grounds, Principal Weems let him use it as a private art studio. Due to his prophetic dreams, Xavier regularly consulted the therapist, Valerie Kinbott.