~ Immortality unveiled ~Tom Riddle x Reader 🐍🌶

Chapter 32 ~ Connection~

Eva's eyes meet mine, and I see the fear in them. "I don't know why he's doing this. But I can't let him control me."

"You won't," I say firmly. "We'll find a way to protect you and your mind."

~Eva's POV~

I sit in Severus's classroom, wearing my night gown, all sweaty and confused. Only now I slowly realize what is happening. My mind spinning from the intensity of the dream.. Or "not" dream?! Albus and Severus are discussing ways to protect me, but all I can think about is Grindelwald's chilling touch, his haunting words. My body still trembles with the memory of his presence.
I hate this. I am stronger than this.. I need to find a way to block my feelings.

"Miss Eva," Severus says, his voice pulling me back to the present as I was zoning out.

"There are ways to block his intrusion, but it will require your complete cooperation and focus." He says sharp.

I nod. "I'll do whatever it takes. He won't break me."

Albus smiles gently, a reassuring presence in the storm of my thoughts.
"We'll start with basic Occlumency. Severus will guide you through it."

I glance at Severus, his dark eyes unreadable. "I've never done Occlumency before," I admit, feeling a bit apprehensive.

"It's a skill that can be learned," Severus replies, his tone firm. "And you have more than enough motivation to master it."

He stands, gesturing for me to follow him to a small room.

I look around, there are a lot of potions around us, the room is dark, only lit by two candle.

I look around, there are a lot of potions around us, the room is dark, only lit by two candle

"Sit," Severus instructs. I look at him, I don't like his tone.. "Please." I say.
He raises an eyebrow at me, questioning me. "Sit please." I correct his instruction as I sit.
He barely reacts as he prepares, taking his wand. It's as if he doesn't want to hear me.

"Occlumency is the art of closing one's mind against external penetration," Severus begins.
"It will help you shield your thoughts from Grindelwald. But it requires discipline and concentration."

I nod. "Let's get it going."

Severus eyes me for a moment, bet he didn't like my comment... he places his hands on either side of my head, his touch cool and controlled. "Close your eyes," he says focused.
"Focus on your breathing. Inhale... exhale..."

I follow his instructions, feeling the tension slowly drain from my body.

"Now," Severus continues, "imagine a barrier, a strong, impenetrable wall surrounding your mind. Nothing can get through it."

I visualize the wall, brick by brick, building it higher and stronger. I can feel Severus's presence in my mind, guiding me, reinforcing the barrier.

"Good," he murmurs. "Keep focusing. Strengthen that wall."

As I concentrate, I feel a sense of calm and control I haven't felt in weeks. The memories of Grindelwald's invasion seem to fade, replaced by a newfound determination.
Before I finish building the wall, I feel Severus trying to break through. I squeeze my closed eyes, trying to keep him out of my head.
What is he doing.. isn't he supposed to help me?? As my focus wears off for a second, the wall crashes and every memory rushes back. I can feel tears running down my cheeks. In the end I see Tom's face as Severus lets go of me sudden.

"Enough for tonight." He says sharp. "We continue another time."

I open my eyes, finding him by the door. "I - um- I thought you help me built the wall."