#but man;;; the temptation to delve into it again and make it a verse here is Strong))

[starcchild]

((*taps fingers together* so about that ceo au I mentioned once or twice on this blog--

[fallencrowns]

Salazar couldn't help the soft snort that left him at the mention of not being 'HAPPY' that his father was long gone. When he himself had received word long ago of his passing, there had been no mourning. Merely a letter burned in the fireplace of his study within Hogwarts without a word to anyone else, even the other founders. Though they later discovered it, there had been no need to concern them about the passing of a VILE man. Even at his darkest, Salazar could never imagine hurting his own flesh and blood. Well, the Gaunts were another matter entirely. They were so far removed that, despite their desperate attempts to 'PRESERVE' the blood that Salazar no longer considered them his own nor would he claim them as such.

❝  Believe you me that there is no need for SORROW for that man. There was certainly no love lost between us. Many people think myself cold or even dangerous, but had they met that man, well—— ❞  Salazar shrugged, allowing his words to trail off. He spoke so casually, so nonchalantly about the matter though he had yet to elaborate much on it. Inferences could no doubt be made. The unsupportive father and a son that held either resentment or had become so CALLOUSED to the mention of the man it had no effect at all. He probably didn't need to delve too deep into it; while Albus could enter the mind of others Salazar knew he was also well versed in reading between the lines without the INTRUDING piece of magic.

Allow him to make his own judgements, to guess the past. If asked, Salazar might open up some. And yet, he still enjoyed the air of mystery he had surrounding himself. It was like ARMOR, protecting him when he would undoubtedly need to vanish from this current life. Better to have lesser connections and leave less of a trace so he could rebuild again elsewhere. To just feign a sudden excuse to have to leave or, sometimes, just disappearing without a WORD. The time always came and there were few in the world he actually regretted having to leave behind. But such was the gift of immortality; no one could stay with him FOREVER.

And yet perhaps teaching at a school full of students that would one day roam the world and know his face may not have been the GREATEST of ideas. Nor getting involved with one of the most powerful wizards of the age. Those that might surely recognize him later on in life as his appearance would never change, never age nor have a fresh scar mark it. Magic and charms could only hide one for so long and masking his appearance each day would simply be EXHAUSTING. And yet Salazar found himself enjoying it greatly, a temptation he couldn't resist though he wasn't sure which one he enjoyed more.

The school that had TEMPTED him for so long, like a calling back home when he had none to return to save for his manor. Or perhaps Albus, an equal and one he found himself caring for greatly.

And speaking of, the reaction from the great wizard had Salazar chuckling. How flustered he became each time would never cease to be amusing to him. Though he wasn't certain if others had ever truly taken notice, surely some eyes had considering Albus was an attractive man. ❝  Oh, I wouldn't DREAM of it, dear Albus, ❞  he teased at the mention of going up a size. ❝  Besides, I doubt there's much you can do to avoid being a DISTRACTION at work these days. You should be so glad that I know how to keep such things hidden. ❞  All for the sake of Albus, of course. If the truth were to come out about such ATTRACTION between them, the Founder certainly wouldn't have any qualms about it. A balance of mystery and openness so that others wouldn't care about what was below the surface.

As Albus looked through the worn and weathered pages of one of her journals, Salazar found himself wandering about the library to look over his massive collection. Truth be told, he rarely wandered in here these days. Most of it was writings and magic he had already learned merely locked away for safekeeping. The rest were journals of histories he already knew or ones he himself had EXPERIENCED. The journals of the Founders, for example, mostly went unread. Why bother himself with a history that had left him so BITTER? The good memories might persevere but they had been TAINTED by the negativity of his perceived betrayal.

One some shelves, accompanying the books, were little trinkets. Items of his collection beyond just books. He paused at one shelf on the distant side of the library, taking a drink from his glass. Along the books was another one of his display items that seems so simple in comparison to some that were secured in small, enchanted glass cases.

A wand. His ORIGINAL wand that he had crafted and one that rarely saw use as he often used another to blend in better.

Of course it didn't serve him as well and he had gone through many other wands in his lifetime as they eventually cracked and BROKE under his strength. But it was better than others wondering why he might use such an ancient wand or, for some like Ollivander, realizing the magical properties were unique to that of Salazar if it were ever inspected too closely. Better safe than sorry and better to only use it as a last resort if he needed precise magic to his full extent. Otherwise, he could rely on borrowed wands or even wandless magic that was so raw.

Moving casually to keep his actions unnoticed, he carefully shifted the wand to partially obscure it behind some of the books on the shelf.

❝  Of course they had such moments. It wasn't all war and bloodshed. They were close. Like FAMILY, ❞  he spoke up, turning away from the shelf once more to face Albus with that casual smirk he often wore. ❝  Though you continue to SURPRISE me by blaming the world and the times rather than blaming Slytherin himself. But, reading their journals, mostly those from before the war between the Founders, does have some rather humourous entries. Snowball fights with the students, drunken nights before the school around a fire, Godric convincing Salazar to get involved in his antics, even recipes from Helga. There was a time of PEACE. ❞  Only a little over a decade but enough for them to bond beyond the wars of Muggles and the magical community. In order to work so well for even that long, there had to be the small moments in between all the work and trying to survive.

Salazar crossed the room again, one hand behind his back while the other still held his glass of whiskey, to move back to Albus and his readings. ❝  I think, what most people forget, is they all started very YOUNG. And the young even back then were foolish and needed relief from the stress of the times. I know I was certainly the RECKLESS youth in my teenage years and into my twenties. They weren't in their fifties beginning the school. ❞ 

Albus couldn't speak for his companion's father, but given the context clues he would have to agree with Ophiucus. His father certainly sounded like the type who would support Gellert's cause. And maybe at one time, he wondered if Ophiucus could or would do the same, but so far his need to jump to conclusions so quickly had been proven wrong. The fact that Ophiucus was allowing him entry into his home and even offering to train him for a fight against the man who, heretics aside, probably had more common beliefs with him than his own boyfriend was saying a lot. What would he have to gain from aiding him? The fall of a wizard who could make Muggles pay for all the hurt they've caused him? It was absurd to think about really, but… Gellert was going about it the wrong way. Inciting a war was never the answer.

〝 I am not happy to know your father is long from this world, but… it does give me some relief that yet another isn't able to join Gellert's cause. 〞

And though Ophiucus told him not to feel sorry, Albus still couldn't help but feel it somewhat anyway. Albus' father and his behavior wasn't anything like what Ophiucus had to endure, but Albus knew all too well what it was like to have need of validation from one's father. Albus didn't get much of it once his own ended up in Azkaban, but it was a story best left for some other time. To speak on his own father would open up far too many painful memories associated with his family and the mess that got him here. It was far too soon for that conversation.

Albus allowed his thoughts to venture elsewhere though if his partner was studying him closely, he would note the change in Albus' features. Those blue eyes did not sparkle nearly as much when speaking of family. On the contrary, Albus looked quite sad --- distressed even --- though his mind remained guarded. For now anyway. Letting his guard down completely was just too hard after everything concerning Gellert. He was far too used to concealing himself away. Getting out of that was going to take some work.

He manages to reel himself back to the moment at hand, helped along by choice words from the other male. The comment, spoken so calmly and eloquently, that Albus found himself opening his mouth, red faced and at a loss for words. He quickly turned to him, poised to say something back but could hardly do so for the heat spreading through him.

〝 You are the worst,〞 he manages. 〝 The absolute worst.〞 Or the best depending on one's perspective. And now every time he suited up, he was going to wonder if his slacks were too tight or if he should go up in size. Was that why he got questionable looks from Travers? Did they think his state of dress most unprofessional? And Minerva? Did she…?

No. He was not going to let Ophiucus fluster him too badly this early on into their trip. He refused… or so he would tell himself.

〝 It is however, kind of you to notice. Your observation means I need to go up in size. I cannot have everyone thinking improper thoughts, most importantly you. Far be it for me to become a distraction at work.〞

As if they weren't already quite the distractions towards each other although until now, it was mostly avoided ( at least on Albus' end ). Now he had to wonder how different things would be once they returned to Hogwarts. The lingering glances on his part were difficult enough to shelve but after this trip, would he be able to properly stop his own eyes? Would he be able to turn off the attraction in favor of remaining nothing more than coworkers? He wondered…and fretted a bit, but he knew it was a bridge best crossed later.

With book in hand, he let himself be consumed by the idea of the knowledge and insight that lay just within the words upon the page. Helga wasn't talked about much at all, but he was well aware that the food served at Hogwarts was inspired by her old dishes. Did she spend the lot of her free time crafting recipes, or did she participate in friendly duels? The other mystery was whether or not she had any children of her own. He knew Rowena did, but what of the other founders? There was much to discover and the more he thought about it, the more excited he became.

Albus looked up just as Ophiucus produced another book for him. This one was equally weathered, but he took hold of it carefully hanging onto his companion's every word. He always had a feeling Helga was much more than she was painted out to be over the years. A person who valued loyalty and trust… There was so much to unpack there. Was such traits important because she knew what it was like to be betrayed, or was she herself loyal and just and desired her students to be a reflection of herself? He'd like to know for himself just to sate his curiosity even if the rest of the world would never know.

〝 I agree. And I think people tend to overlook the time period in favor of simply making their own terrible assumptions. The Hufflepuff house isn't looked down upon much, but there is something of an heir of superiority that overcomes those in our perspective houses. It leaves Ravenclaw and Hufflpuff overlooked often which is a shame. Some of the brightest wizards have come from both.〞

He finds his mind drifting back to that of his sister, comparing her kindness to that of the founder Helga. It made him sad to think that maybe she could have been just as great as Helga some day. She certainly had a strong affinity for magic at such a young age. But just as quickly as he found his mind wandering to sad times, Ophiucus unknowingly brought him out of it. The idea of Godric and Salazar sharing drinks was rather amusing. Given history's penchant for portraying them as bitter enemies, it seemed surreal that the two could have had such fun together. On the other hand…

'The greatest friends often make the bitterest enemies…'

Perhaps…

〝 It sounds like, despite the troubling times, they founders still found time to be regular people. It must have been nice for a while. A shame that the world found a way to ruin things. I only hope that there was much fun and love shared before things turned dark.〞

[tune-collective]

Kendrick Lamar: Making Sense of His World, One Bible Verse at a Time

Kendrick Lamar: Making Sense of His World, One Bible Verse at a Time

The Bible’s influence is immense. For many it functions as their life’s compass, by which going in the right direction means to walk in God’s footsteps and all other paths — at best — lead nowhere. That perspective is what Kendrick Lamar cautiously navigates on his third proper studio LP, DAMN.

Similar to Lamar’s debut album, good kid m.A.A.d. City — which closes with an older woman saving a group of roughneck teens with the Sinner’s prayer — the concept of DAMN. is threaded together by religion. Though here on Lamar’s latest, he leans into Bible messaging and scriptures even more.

Throughout Lamar’s career, he’s used a sizable amount of his content to elevate his listeners, to speak for the voiceless and forgotten from his Compton, California home. His previous album, 2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly, broadened his scope, aiming to lift not only the black community in his native Los Angeles, but African Americans from coast to coast who felt disenfranchised, belittled and inhuman in the new era of highly publicized police brutality — one that necessitated slogans like #BlackLivesMatter. But with Kendrick seemingly disillusioned by what has happened in this country since Pimp was released two years ago, the second half of the album’s volatile “XXX” calls up to Christ to lament about the United States.

“Hail Mary, Jesus, and Joseph,” Lamar begins, “The great American flag is wrapped and dragged with explosives.” Later in the song, he expresses his disappointment with Donald Trump being elected president whilst nodding to former White House tenant President Obama. “We lost Barack and promised to never doubt him again,” Lamar raps, “But is America honest, or do we bask in sin?”

The “we” in that last line is key, because Kendrick often includes himself when addressing societal ills. On “Humble” he counts himself among those delighting in life’s trivialities: spending his riches on cognac and lavish cars while bragging about sexual exploits. All that comes before its sobering hook which urges all to practice humility: “Hold up, lil’ bitch,” it orders. “Be humble.”

Kendrick knows better, but he’s still often unable to resist temptation. Awareness of the possibility to be a better person, and choosing whether to actually be that at all times, is the classic plight of man.

DAMN.’s “Yah” features a mention of Carl Duckworth, Kendrick’s God-fearing cousin who often lays Bible passages on the thoughtful rapper. Here, Carl teaches Lamar about the Book of Deuteronomy, which talks of the penalties for breaking the rule of God. “The Lord will send on you curses, confusion, and frustration in all that you undertake to do, until you are destroyed and perish quickly on account of the evil of your deeds…” it reads.

How does a sinner like Lamar find redemption? By delving even deeper into religion and understanding of self. On the same track, he notes “I’m a Israelite/ Don’t call me ‘Black’ no mo’/ That word is only a color/ it ain’t facts no mo’.” Another way we often find peace with wrongs committed is to balance them out by good deeds. A song like TPAB’s “Alright,” as empowering as it is comforting to many of Lamar’s fans, might be able to fish Lamar out of trouble waters when his judgment day comes — not to mention the umpteen other cuts in his catalog that boast uplifting themes.

Still, on “Feel,” Lamar worries that while he’s been battling against “demons, monsters, false prophets schemin’, sponsors, industry promises” and more, that he doesn’t have anyone praying for him. “I feel like my thoughts [are] in the basement,” he raps in a state of depression, before threatening that he may “Feel like removin’ myself, no feelings involved.” Whether that’s a suicidal thought or simply foreshadowing of forthcoming reclusiveness is anybody’s guess. But when a soldier hints that they want to go AWOL, it deserves to be noted.

One of DAMN.’s most poignant songs, “Lust,” lists a several weaknesses Kendrick has; clothes, showing off to his ex, and smoking marijuana all make the cut. But by the end of it, he’s citing the Bible’s James 4:4. “A friend of the world becomes an enemy of God,” it says; meaning that in order to attain God’s grace, ignoring your lusts is of the utmost importance. As legendary DJ Kid Capri yells a few times on the LP, “What happens on Earth stays on Earth.” This album encourages its listener to wonder what will happen when they leave this life and pass on to what’s next. Will you be proud of your time on Earth? Will God be proud of you?

A few DAMN. plays suggest that Kendrick probably isn’t quite confident enough to answer Yes to both of those questions just yet. He’s arguably the greatest rapper of his generation. But as he constantly reminds us, outside of the recording booth, Lamar just a mortal man trying to figure himself out.

This article originally appeared on Billboard.

http://tunecollective.com/2017/04/19/kendrick-lamar-making-sense-world-one-bible-verse-time/