I kind of have an idea for a few concepts.

An intellectual is from a religious family that turns study and creation in a type of worship.  They heal, create and bring life.  My character hears the voice of this god and believes themselves a prophet or saint of their will.  They actually hear the words of a demon, making them a warlock.  I like the concept that demons are a bit less horns and pitchforks and actually are alien in nature, being described more as themes and concepts than anything humans fundamentally understand.  So for this character, the demon might be a bringer of life and creation, whether benign or dangerous.  Bacteria is essentially life too... as is disease... 

The other concept is a more physical character, instead of studying, he trains his body to channel the magic as a type of supernatural martial artist. Elementalism or Alteration, maybe even a defensive form of sealing would be this guys magic.