UnBooks:War of Philosopher's stone
| War of Philosopher's stone | |
|---|---|
 Philosopher's stone | |
| Conflict: Infiltration | |
| Date: February 1988 - October 1989 (Violently) December 1989 - February 1990 (Velvetly) | |
| Place: Czech part of Czechoslovakia | |
| Outcome: Controversial, both sides rightfully claim victory as a whole. | |
| Combatants | |
| Harry Potter Lara Croft |
Czechoslovak People Army (ČSLA) Public Security (VB) |
| Commanders | |
| Both | Gustáv Husák Miloš Jakeš |
| Strength | |
| 2 | 1,475,984 |
| Casualties | |
| both injured | circa 85 killed hundreds injured |
In 1988, amid the tense undercurrents of a world on the edge of change, Czechoslovakia becomes an unlikely epicenter in the search for a legendary artifact—the Philosopher's Stone. This mysterious object, rumored to grant eternal life and limitless wealth, draws two equally improbable seekers to the heart of Europe. Harry Potter, a young wizard burdened by a destiny greater than himself, and Lara Croft, the fearless archaeologist chasing history and treasure alike, both find themselves in pursuit of this mythical prize.
Yet, the iron grip of Czechoslovakia, a land marked by political tensions and strict authority, proves a formidable barrier. In a country where old-world secrets blend with modern surveillance, Harry and Lara face obstacles beyond their control, navigating alliances and enmities in a place that straddles myth and reality. The quest for the Philosopher's Stone becomes more than a treasure hunt—it’s a delicate dance with forces neither of them fully understands, in a land where magic is elusive and danger never far behind.
Background[edit | edit source]
Both Harry Potter and Lara Croft find themselves unexpectedly transported to Britain in the year 1988. Harry, in the middle of a spell experiment gone awry, is yanked out of his own time to an era unfamiliar and disorienting. Lara, meanwhile, is investigating a rare artifact said to emit strange energy pulses when a sudden, blinding flash propels her forward to this same moment. Disoriented and confused, the two find themselves in a peculiar London, layered with the palpable tension of the Cold War and a rising political unease.
Before they can even begin to piece together their bizarre circumstances, they are approached by an unexpected and enigmatic figure—none other than Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher herself. Thatcher, aware of their unique talents and sensing the weight of the moment, unveils a mission only they can undertake. She reveals the existence of the Philosopher’s Stone, a relic of unmatched mystical power, believed to grant eternal life and limitless wealth. Once held by Habsburg Emperor Rudolf II, the Stone now lies hidden somewhere within Czechoslovakia, locked away in a location protected by both ancient magic and modern surveillance.
The mission is clear, but the stakes are far from simple. Retrieving the Stone won’t just mean outwitting ancient traps but also navigating the watchful eyes of the Czechoslovak state, where every stranger is suspect, and the Iron Curtain hides secrets as powerful as any magic. With their respective skills, Harry and Lara must work together—Harry’s magical knowledge and Lara’s archaeological expertise might just be the combination they need to succeed. But the mission proves increasingly complex, as they face not only hostile forces within the state but also shadowy figures keen to claim the Stone’s power for themselves.
As they move closer to Czechoslovakia, the weight of history bears down. Harry and Lara become entangled in a high-stakes quest, racing against forces they scarcely understand. In a land where magic and Cold War secrecy collide, they must tread carefully to uncover the location of the Stone, evade the complex political machinery of the state, and unlock the secrets left behind by the eccentric and obsessive Emperor Rudolf II.
Only by working together can they hope to survive and unravel the mystery surrounding the Philosopher's Stone. But time is running out, and in a world balanced precariously on the edge of change, both know that retrieving the Stone may alter history—and their own lives—forever.
Chronologue:[edit | edit source]
Arrival:[edit | edit source]
In February 1988, Harry Potter and Lara Croft each arrive in Prague, drawn together by their mission but traveling under vastly different circumstances. Harry, disguised as an unassuming traveler, journeys by train through East Germany and into Czechoslovakia, navigating each border checkpoint with growing unease. When he arrives at Děčín station, his youthful appearance and foreign look attract the attention of Czechoslovak border guards. For a tense moment, they question him, nearly detaining him on suspicion of espionage. But a subtle charm spell—cast under his breath—helps him slip through, though he’s left shaken as he reboards the train toward Prague.
Lara, on the other hand, takes a more opulent route, arriving in Prague by plane, seated in First Class on a British Airways flight. The familiar luxury does little to calm her nerves, however. From the moment she sets foot in Ruzyně Airport, Lara feels a creeping sense of anxiety. The cold, utilitarian design, the SNB officers watching her every move, and the silence that fills the halls make her keenly aware that she’s far from home and even further from safety. Used to slipping through borders with charm and confidence, she suddenly finds the quiet tension of Czechoslovakia unsettling, as if every corner of the airport hides a secret.
Arriving at Prague’s main train station, Harry feels equally out of place. The vast hall, shadowed by imposing Soviet-era architecture, is bustling with gray-clad travelers and stern officers. Nervous, he grips his bag tightly, feeling the wary gazes of the Czechoslovak police on him. Each loudspeaker announcement, crackling in Czech, heightens his sense of isolation, and he barely breathes as he slips out of the station.
Finally, they make their way through the cold streets to their arranged meeting spot: Café Slavia, a haven for artists and intellectuals, perched near the banks of the Vltava River. Stepping into the warmth of the café, they find a brief reprieve from the oppressive atmosphere of the city outside. Here, in the dim light and gentle hum of conversation, they exchange uneasy glances, each feeling the gravity of the quest that lies ahead.
First steps[edit | edit source]
Harry Potter and Lara Croft’s journey through Cold War Czechoslovakia takes a strange and unexpected turn almost immediately. Following a cryptic lead, they decide their first destination should be the town of Cheb, a gritty border town with a shadowy past. Both make their way to the Florenc bus terminal in Prague, where they board a creaky Karosa LC 735.00 bus. The bus, crowded and dim, adds to their apprehension, as does the unsettling feeling of being watched. Suspicious glances from plain-clothes officers linger on them longer than they’d like. The StB (State Security) and SNB (Security Corps) are beginning to take an interest in these two unusual foreigners.
When they arrive in Cheb, the atmosphere feels oppressive. Harry and Lara’s discomfort only deepens as they wander the streets, feeling the weight of distrustful stares from locals and officers alike. The once-glamorous Lara, rattled by the town’s dark, oppressive energy, unexpectedly bursts into tears, admitting to herself that even the cursed temples and jungle ruins she’s encountered feel less intimidating than this bleak town.
As they cross the town square, Harry’s nerves get the better of him, and he accidentally mutters a spell under his breath. To his horror, the square briefly transforms into a bizarre scene of unintentional nudity, drawing attention from shocked townspeople and triggering a local SNB response. Amid the chaotic moment, an old SVAZARM driving school car backs over his foot, adding injury to insult. Lara, meanwhile, grows visibly uncomfortable as they encounter several local Romani residents, revealing an uncharacteristic bias that she struggles to conceal, only intensifying the awkwardness.
The duo decides they need a change of scenery, and with hopes of finding new clues (and some peace), they head to the spa town of Karlovy Vary. Upon arrival, they’re surprised to find the air filled with Russian conversations, which only serves to remind them of their precarious situation behind the Iron Curtain. Yet the elegance and charm of Karlovy Vary offer an unexpected comfort, and the beautiful town captivates them both. Harry spends hours admiring the grand colonnades, captivated by the stately mineral springs and intricate architecture, while Lara finds solace in the cozy cafés and historic spas. The tension of their mission begins to melt away as they lose themselves in the charm of the town. Days turn to weeks, and soon three months have passed.
By the time spring arrives, both Harry and Lara have forgotten their original mission entirely. Instead, they find themselves absorbed in the timeless beauty of Karlovy Vary, lulled into a sense of peace that almost makes them forget they’re in a country watching their every move.
Heading to plan[edit | edit source]
On May 3rd, as the express train No. 697 winds its way from Karlovy Vary toward Liberec, Harry and Lara find themselves bracing for yet another plunge into the shadowed depths of Cold War-era Czechoslovakia. The train, already creaky and dimly lit, stops more than expected due to ČSD’s (Czechoslovak State Railways) maintenance work, drawing out the journey and allowing apprehension to settle in. The train’s worn, threadbare seats and the dull flickering lights do nothing to soothe their nerves. Finally, after an exhausting journey, they arrive in Liberec, feeling conspicuously out of place.
The gritty streets and heavy, industrial air of Liberec bear down on them as they step off the train. Unlike the relative tranquility of Karlovy Vary, Liberec feels ominous, and the stares they receive from passersby make their skin crawl. Though accustomed to strange places and tense situations, neither Harry nor Lara can shake a gut feeling of vulnerability here. It’s clear that their presence has stirred curiosity, and, worse, they’ve caught the attention of StB (State Security) and SNB (Security Corps) officers, whose watchful eyes seem to track them at every turn.
As they wander, keeping a low profile, they encounter a group of Liberec’s homeless, rough-looking men lingering on a street corner. Lara’s striking appearance draws their attention instantly, and she can feel their eyes trailing her, their expressions shifting between curiosity and something darker. One man, unwashed and clearly emboldened by her presence, approaches, leeringly declaring his desire for her in blunt terms. Though Lara is used to handling herself, the aggressiveness of the man shocks her, and as he inches closer, her fear quickly turns to anger. In an instant, she launches into action, delivering a swift punch and knee to his ribs that leaves him sprawled on the pavement, gasping. Despite her victory, the moment has clearly rattled her, and Harry catches a glimmer of tears in her eyes as they hurry away.
Seeking refuge from the city’s oppressive energy, they retreat to the Imperial Hotel, a relic of Liberec’s pre-war elegance. Its faded charm offers them a brief respite, though the hotel’s empty, echoing halls remind them of the precarious nature of their mission. That evening, they find little comfort even in sleep, each haunted by the day’s tension.
The next morning, they resume their search, exploring the narrow streets and grim architecture of Liberec in the hope of finding some clue related to the Philosopher’s Stone. Their search is hindered by the constant, silent presence of SNB and StB officers, lingering just at the edge of their vision. The more they try to blend in, the more it seems that local suspicions are aroused, and the pressure grows as they catch glimpses of agents observing them from windows or corners.
At one point, in desperation to make contact with trusted allies, Harry and Lara make the risky decision to place a call to Britain from a public telephone booth. The call is brief, but it’s enough. Within moments, they sense the shift in the air—the silent onlookers are no longer content to watch from afar, and they realize their careless communication has triggered a heightened level of surveillance. Though they manage to slip away unnoticed for the time being, both of them are painfully aware of the danger they’ve brought upon themselves.
With tensions mounting and the risk of capture increasing, they decide it’s time to retreat to Prague. Packing their belongings, they slip quietly out of the Imperial Hotel and board the next train to the capital. The journey back is tense, the weight of their recent mistakes pressing heavily upon them. They sit in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, wondering if their mission is slipping from their grasp—or worse, if they’re merely puppets in a game where the rules have been set against them.
As the train rolls toward Prague, Harry glances out the window, watching the countryside blur by, and a deep unease settles within him. The stakes have risen, and for the first time, he wonders if their quest for the Philosopher’s Stone is destined to end in a place darker and far more dangerous than either of them ever imagined.
It's getting hot[edit | edit source]
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Upon returning to Prague, Harry and Lara find the situation escalating rapidly. Under the relentless watch of the StB and SNB, who now view them not as confused tourists but as potential saboteurs, they navigate the city’s landmarks, winding alleys, and hidden spots, desperately seeking clues that could lead them to the Philosopher's Stone.
One tense afternoon, as they pass through Prague Castle’s grounds, Harry, in a moment of distraction, accidentally mutters a disarming spell that sends several Castle Guards reeling backward, their weapons clattering to the ground. The incident sparks an immediate commotion among the guards, who, recovering their weapons, exchange looks of suspicion, marking Harry and Lara as more than mere tourists.
Later that evening, the tension takes another turn. While wandering along the Náplavka riverfront, a lively yet dimly lit stretch of the Vltava’s embankment, Lara encounters a leering man who makes crude comments, emboldened by his assumption that she’s a defenseless foreigner. True to her nature, she strikes out, leaving him groaning on the cobblestones. Unbeknownst to her, however, the man is a StB informant. By the time she and Harry slip away into the night, her actions have been reported, and their every movement is now under intense scrutiny.
The danger surrounding them grows more tangible by the day. A few mornings later, as they attempt to lose themselves in the city’s tram system to evade their pursuers, Lara nearly falls victim to a deadly “accident.” As they board Tram No. 2 on its route toward Petřiny, a tram nearly sideswipes her, forcing her to jump back just in time. The incident feels anything but coincidental, and both she and Harry realize they are now viewed as serious threats to the regime.
With each passing day, Prague’s labyrinthine streets, once inviting, now close in around them, the walls echoing with every footstep. It’s clear that they’re not just being watched—they’re being hunted. The stakes are higher than ever, and any misstep could mean the end of their mission, or worse, their lives. In Prague, the pressure becomes unbearable. Lara, hardened by countless dangers, finds herself pushed to the edge. The relentless surveillance by StB and SNB feels even more terrifying than the dinosaurs she once escaped from in an ancient temple. Desperate, she urges Harry to abandon the mission, convinced that the Stone isn’t worth the ever-tightening noose around them.
One fateful afternoon in the crowded Museum metro station, Harry, exhausted and on edge, mistakenly mutters an incantation. The resulting spell goes terribly wrong, causing a catastrophic derailment. The train screeches off the tracks, injuring over 120 people. Chaos erupts, and before Harry and Lara can process what’s happened, they hear whispers around them—“Two foreigners…” The authorities quickly declare them as wanted individuals, and the city becomes a trap, leaving them with little time to escape.
They flee to the Florenc bus terminal and board a rickety local bus to Kolín, blending into the crowd of weary passengers. Upon arriving in Kolín, they know they can’t afford to waste a second. They slip onto an express train to Brno without tickets, hiding themselves among the passengers as best as they can. But their luck wanes by the time they reach Pardubice; a vigilant conductor becomes suspicious of their lack of tickets.
When he confronts them, Lara’s fear transforms into rage, and she strikes out, leaving the conductor momentarily stunned. Harry, quick to follow her lead, grabs the man’s wallet, pocketing the cash to fund their flight southward. In the ensuing confusion, they slip away unnoticed, though both know it’s only a matter of time before the authorities catch up to them.
Back in Prague, the incident is carefully covered up, the media instructed to keep silent on the mysterious foreigners who left chaos in their wake. For now, Harry and Lara’s missteps remain hidden, but they can feel the clock ticking as they near Brno, desperately seeking refuge and a plan that might allow them to escape from the tightening grasp of the regime.
Moravian disaster[edit | edit source]
On Moravian soil, Harry and Lara's quest for the elusive Philosopher's Stone transforms into a comedy of errors veering dangerously toward tragedy. With the StB and VB on high alert, the two decide that splitting up might be their only hope to cover ground quickly and evade capture. Lara, fierce and resilient, sets off to search deeper into Moravia, while Harry heads to the plains of Haná, hoping they can cover more ground separately.
Lara’s troubles begin the moment she reaches Brno. In a darkened pub corner, she encounters a foul-mouthed local drunk who leers at her in the most offensive way possible. The man, reeking of cheap liquor, lurches toward her, mistaking her for easy prey. True to form, Lara responds with a quick uppercut and a hard shove, sending him sprawling across the pub floor. She slips out as bystanders stare, managing to stay unnoticed by the police—this time.
Yet, as her luck would have it, an even worse fate awaits her in Hustopeče. While crossing a quiet back road, a Praga V3S truck comes barreling down the street, driven by an inebriated deliveryman. Unable to react in time, she’s struck, her body crashing against the side of the heavy vehicle. Though bruised and bloodied, she survives with only minor injuries and is quickly discharged from the local hospital, her pride hurt more than anything else. Brushing off the incident, she throws herself back into the search, exploring the Moravian Karst caves and even diving into rivers, ponds, and abandoned quarries, determined to find any trace of the Philosopher's Stone despite her mounting setbacks.
Meanwhile, in Haná, Harry’s experience is equally mortifying. Drawn by the sights and sounds of Olomouc’s bustling marketplace, he decides to taste one of the region’s famous delicacies: Olomouc tvarůžky, a notoriously pungent, fermented cheese. One bite, however, proves overwhelming. The taste and smell hit him harder than anticipated, and he doubles over in the street, unable to keep the cheese down. His stomach revolts in public, much to the amusement and horror of passersby. Before he can recover his dignity, a city officer fines him for fare evasion on the tram, adding insult to injury.
But his bad luck doesn’t end there. Just as he thinks he’s free of attention, Harry tries to light a cigarette outside the Public Security station in Olomouc. With nerves on edge and wand in hand, he mutters a spell meant to light his cigarette. Instead, the wand sparks wildly, igniting the station's doorway. In seconds, flames engulf the entrance, and Harry, horrified, bolts down the street as Public Security officers rush to contain the blaze.
The incident triggers an immediate response. The StB, SNB, and local VB forces declare an emergency, issuing an all-points bulletin to capture the two foreign “saboteurs.” Harry and Lara’s clumsy yet uncanny ability to evade authorities has left traces of their mishaps scattered across Moravia, from the caves of the Karst to the streets of Olomouc, with each incident only intensifying the manhunt. Their photos and descriptions are now circulating among law enforcement, and every town and village on their trail is primed to report any sign of the two mysterious foreigners.
With few options left, they must find a way to escape Moravia—and fast. For the first time, both Harry and Lara begin to wonder if the Philosopher's Stone, no matter how powerful, is worth the cost of becoming fugitives in a hostile country.
Czechoslovak answer[edit | edit source]
The realization hits Harry and Lara hard, but there's no time to dwell. They have to move fast and think faster.
Lara, despite her injuries, heads eastward, hunkering down by night in the forgotten ruins of old castles and crumbling barns. She feels the weight of constant surveillance; the glint of binoculars from distant hilltops, the crackle of foreign voices on a hidden radio, and the chilling sense that, somehow, the StB is always just one step behind. But Lara, resilient and resourceful, adapts. In the small town of Kroměříž, she alters her appearance by smudging soot on her face, trading her torn leather jacket for an old worker’s coat she steals from a clothesline. Now, disguised as a peasant, she slips through town squares and train stations, her keen eyes scanning for any signs of Harry or the stone.
Harry’s situation is no better. After the fiery mishap at the Public Security station, he heads north, where he spends sleepless nights hiding in barns and abandoned farmhouses around the sleepy village of Prostějov. He avoids locals, though not without difficulty. On one unfortunate evening, an elderly woman spots him slipping through her backyard, mistaking him for a vengeful forest spirit. Her screams draw a crowd, and Harry scrambles over a fence, tripping on his cloak and narrowly avoiding capture. Shaken, he realizes he’ll need more than just luck to survive.
In desperation, he tries to summon an old contact he knows from Prague, a former black-market trader with a penchant for magical artifacts. Meeting in the dead of night under an ancient linden tree, Harry whispers his plea for an escape route. The man eyes him warily but finally nods, promising to arrange a secret meeting in Brno, where Harry and Lara might finally find a way out. But it will take two days—time the authorities are quickly using to close in on them.
Meanwhile, Lara finds herself in the shadowy underbelly of the Moravian Karst caves. She’d been following rumors of an ancient alchemist who supposedly vanished centuries ago in these very passages. The locals call him the “Last Hermit,” and they speak of his spirit with hushed voices, claiming he guards something powerful. With nothing left to lose, she plunges deeper into the caverns, her flashlight flickering ominously, her feet slipping on slick stone as she goes further than any map could lead her.
At the appointed time, the two finally meet near a desolate train yard in Brno. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, they share a rare moment of silent understanding: they’ve barely survived Moravia, and they’re now bound together in a way that transcends their initial mission. Exhausted but defiant, they exchange what little information they’ve gathered—the elusive fragments of local lore, cryptic warnings scratched onto prison walls, and the inexplicable sensation that they’ve been drawn here not by the promise of the Philosopher’s Stone alone, but by something far older, something almost sentient.
As they turn to leave, the faint sound of sirens echoes in the distance, and the two share one last glance. It’s now or never.
When Harry and Lara finally reunited in Brno, their sense of relief was short-lived. Rumors spread quickly through the city that even the Czechoslovak People’s Army (ČSLA) had been mobilized in the hunt for them. They’d expected a manhunt, but not this overwhelming show of force. This was no ordinary police operation; this was a full-scale military pursuit.
Their anxiety only deepened as more details surfaced. Reports of tank, artillery, reconnaissance, and infantry divisions moving through Moravia and Silesia began circulating. Soldiers combed the countryside, kicking up dust and alarming the locals, while armored vehicles rolled through quiet towns, their iron treads grinding down cobblestone streets. It was an ominous display of raw power, and the message was clear: the authorities would stop at nothing to capture the two fugitives.
But ČSLA wasn’t alone. Accompanying them were units from the Public Security (Veřejná Bezpečnost, or VB), known for their unyielding loyalty to the state. The Tank and Automotive Inspection (TAI), acting as the military police, coordinated checkpoints along main roads and railways, searching any travelers with heightened suspicion. Even Svazarm, the paramilitary “Union for Cooperation with the Army,” had joined the hunt, repurposing their clunky driving school vehicles with makeshift armor plating and retooling them as pursuit vehicles. The roads of Moravia, normally quiet, now echoed with the relentless thrum of engines and marching soldiers.
Despite the ever-growing force against them, Harry and Lara managed to evade capture by slipping past patrols and utilizing every trick they knew. In Brno’s labyrinthine alleys and hidden underground cellars, they found temporary shelter and brief respites from the intense surveillance. Their every move was a delicate dance between evasion and exhaustion. They moved in the shadows, avoiding windows and open spaces, relying on whispered exchanges with a few sympathetic locals who knew nothing of their mission but despised the ever-encroaching state control.
As the days wore on, they clung to a slim hope that they could find the Philosopher’s Stone and escape before their luck ran out. It was as though Brno itself were holding its breath with them, the city’s old stones and ancient walls bearing silent witness to their desperate search.
But time was not on their side. The Czechoslovak army was closing in with all the tools and tactics of a modern military state, and both of them knew that a single misstep could spell the end of their quest. Each night, they lay awake in makeshift hideouts, feeling the city tremble with the weight of boots and iron. For the first time, they began to consider that they might not leave Moravia alive. Harry and Lara board the Rožmberk express train heading south to České Budějovice, hoping the change in scenery and pace might throw off their pursuers. But as soon as they step onto the station platform, their lack of Czech makes them stick out like sore thumbs. Luck, however, seems to be on their side once again. The locals, overhearing their awkward exchanges in broken German, dismiss them as confused Austrian tourists. Relieved but cautious, they take advantage of their unexpected cover and continue their journey south.
As they wander deeper into the wilderness of South Bohemia, they find themselves drawn to the rugged beauty of the Šumava mountains, hoping the dense forests might offer refuge. However, nature has other plans. One afternoon, as they move through a remote forest clearing, they’re ambushed by a bear, massive and hungry. Before Harry can fumble for his wand, Lara takes charge, wielding a broken tree branch with startling skill. She manages to fend off the beast, finally delivering a fatal blow and leaving Harry astounded. Not one to waste an opportunity, Harry uses a spell to transform the bear into a hearty evening meal, a rare moment of comfort in their otherwise relentless escape.
But time is against them. Word of “two Western agents” roaming Bohemia has spread even to the local authorities, and increased patrols in the region make the wilderness feel increasingly suffocating. They press on, hoping to find a less patrolled area, and by early morning the next day, they reach a peculiar sight—a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire, punctuated by watchtowers where soldiers stand guard. It takes a moment for the realization to sink in: they’ve reached the Iron Curtain, the fortified border separating Eastern Europe from the West.
At first, they think they’re saved—freedom is just beyond the wire. But before they can make any moves, a loud voice crackles over a megaphone, warning them back. The soldiers, mistaking them for locals trying to escape, shout at them to turn around and return to “where they came from,” not realizing they’re unwittingly aiding two wanted fugitives.
Confused and disheartened, Harry and Lara turn back, realizing that slipping across the border is far more complicated than they’d anticipated. With no other choice, they head back toward Prague, more aware than ever that their every step is shadowed by the watchful eyes of the state.
Prague for longer time than expected:[edit | edit source]
Harry and Lara arrive in Prague on August 6, 1988, intending to stay only briefly, but as the days turn into weeks and then months, they find themselves caught in the city’s magnetic, turbulent atmosphere. By early 1989, they’ve managed to blend in just enough, learning basic Czech (and even some Slovak) to navigate daily life and, crucially, communicate with dissidents. Through whispered conversations in dimly lit cafes and late-night meetings in the back rooms of apartments, they hear stories of resistance and hopes for change—but also of betrayals and brutal surveillance.
The pressure of life under the regime weighs heavily on Lara. Used to a life of privilege and comfort, she’s overwhelmed by the gray sameness, the shortages, and the constant tension. She takes a job as a maid in the Hotel OLYMPIK, a prominent establishment in Prague’s Karlin district, catering mainly to state-approved visitors and diplomats. The physical work, the exhaustion, and her fading hopes of finding the Philosopher’s Stone chip away at her spirit. The aristocratic life she once took for granted feels painfully distant, and she suffers a series of quiet breakdowns. The once fierce and determined Lara finds herself growing despondent, her dreams clouded by the harsh reality of totalitarian life.
Meanwhile, Harry adapts differently. Though he misses his old life, he finds an unusual resilience and purpose in this challenging environment. But as the months pass, his ambition to find the stone turns into something darker. The omnipresent surveillance, the faces in the crowds, the voices on the streets—all feed a growing paranoia. He begins seeing potential leads and threats everywhere. This paranoia leads to disturbing incidents: spotting women with jewelry that even remotely resembles the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry impulsively confronts them, demanding answers, only to realize each time that he’s been mistaken. The episodes earn him wary stares and murmured rumors among the locals.
For extra income, Harry takes a job as an inspector with Prague’s Public Transport Company, patrolling trams and buses to catch fare dodgers. It’s a job that puts him in daily contact with the city’s working class, people ground down by the same system he’s come to resent. Though he initially took the job to keep a low profile, it gives him a strange satisfaction—a sense of control in a city where he feels more and more hunted.
Both of them are trapped between their pasts and the oppressive present, their hopes for the Philosopher’s Stone slowly giving way to simple survival. And as winter sets in and the winds of change begin to stir in Prague, Harry and Lara, each in their own way, feel the weight of their choices, wondering how much longer they can endure.
Second attempt:[edit | edit source]
Harry and Lara continue their frantic search across Prague and the Central Bohemian countryside, feeling the weight of the ever-watchful authorities pressing down on them. Every day brings a fresh reminder that they’re being pursued. The combined forces of ČSLA, TAI, VB, Svazarm, and the feared StB have been mobilized on an unprecedented scale, creating an omnipresent dragnet that seems to tighten by the hour. Even the Pioneers—the socialist youth organization—have been enlisted in the effort, their eager young faces visible on posters and in the streets as they report strangers and pass out flyers with descriptions of the "suspicious foreigners."
With their options dwindling, Harry scrapes together enough crowns to purchase a battered Škoda 100 L DeLuxe from a seedy car lot in Žižkov. The car, once a proud symbol of socialist engineering, is now a faded blue relic with peeling paint and a creaky engine, but it’s just functional enough to give them a glimmer of hope. As they settle into the old seats, they feel a momentary sense of freedom—they now have the means to search beyond the city, beyond the limits of public transportation, slipping onto forgotten roads and navigating through lesser-known villages.
Yet the Škoda, with its tired engine and distinctive rattle, is anything but inconspicuous. Every bridge they cross and every gas station they stop at brings them under the scrutiny of military convoys, police checkpoints, and local patrols. The TAI, trained to detect suspicious vehicles, scrutinize them intently, and Harry knows it's only a matter of time before they’re flagged. Each officer’s lingering gaze, every soldier’s passing glance, feels like a needle of suspicion, driving home just how close they are to being caught.
Despite the persistent danger, they press forward, following faint leads and rumors of powerful artifacts said to be hidden in old castles, church basements, and forgotten farmhouses. But every road seems to loop back to where they started, every supposed clue evaporates into thin air just as they arrive. They scour cobbled streets in small towns, eyes scanning every shadowed corner, hoping for some glint of the Philosopher’s Stone. Each disappointment weighs heavier on them than the last, and the tension between them grows, as does the creeping sense of futility.
Their nerves fray as days bleed into weeks. The Škoda frequently runs low on fuel, forcing them into situations that could lead to exposure. Once, while filling up at a rural station, they nearly panic when a VB officer steps into line behind them, casually chatting with the attendant. Harry, feeling his palms grow sweaty, forces himself to remain calm, eyes fixed forward as Lara pretends to fumble with her coat, hiding her face from view. Miraculously, they avoid detection, but the incident serves as a stark reminder that their luck can only last so long.
Occasionally, their paths cross with military convoys carrying ČSLA soldiers and armored vehicles—a chilling sight, knowing these forces are likely part of the mobilization against them. They weave through narrow village roads and detours, relying on old maps and gut instincts, but every encounter, every checkpoint, reinforces a gnawing realization: they’re only one misstep away from being captured.
The closer they get to what they believe could be a genuine lead, the closer their pursuers seem to draw. With each passing day, the feeling of being hunted sharpens. What started as a quest has become a nightmare. And in the back of their minds, they both understand that the search for the Philosopher’s Stone, once so filled with hope and ambition, is now overshadowed by a growing sense of inevitability—that sooner or later, their time, like their luck, will run out.
They're exposed[edit | edit source]
Harry[edit | edit source]
After months of relentless pursuit, narrow escapes, and deadly encounters, Harry is no longer the man who crossed into Czechoslovakia seeking the fabled Philosopher’s Stone. By October, he’s a gaunt, broken figure, his eyes hollow, his robes torn and spattered with grime. The intense desperation has replaced the initial fire of his quest, and his once-methodical use of magic has descended into something wild, lethal, and chaotic. He leaves behind a trail of destruction, every encounter with soldiers, StB agents, and Svazarm recruits etched in blood. Each skirmish feeds the authorities’ determination to bring him down, their orders evolving from capture to eliminate.
By the time he stumbles into the streets of Mělník, he’s barely coherent, his mind fogged with exhaustion, his body on the brink of collapse. His wand feels like dead weight in his hand, and each spell he manages to cast drains him further, but he presses on, determined to slip away yet again. He ducks into an alley, seeking cover, but his appearance—a foreigner, gaunt and ragged, with eyes wild and haunted—draws stares from the wary locals.
A shout echoes from down the street, and he turns to see a Svazarm member, rifle in hand, pushing through the crowd, his eyes locked on Harry. Harry raises his wand, summoning the last vestiges of his strength, ready to cast one final curse. But his vision blurs as he raises his arm, his reflexes dulled by the weeks of strain and malnutrition. A shot cracks through the chilly October air, the sharp report of a Czech vz. 33 rifle.
Pain erupts in Harry’s abdomen, a searing, gut-wrenching sensation as the bullet tears through muscle and organs. He stumbles back, his free hand instinctively going to his stomach, where blood is already pooling, warm and wet against his fingers. The world spins around him, the street tilting at a strange angle as his legs buckle, and he collapses onto the cobblestone road.
Around him, locals gasp, some backing away in fear while others watch, transfixed. The Svazarm shooter closes in, but there’s no triumph in his gaze, just cold duty as he signals for backup. Two more men arrive, hauling Harry’s crumpled form upright, his blood smeared on the street and his robes soaked with it. Each movement sends white-hot pain ripping through his abdomen, and he barely registers the rough hands pulling him toward an awaiting military ambulance, his senses fading in and out.
He slips in and out of consciousness as they drive, the pain blurring his vision and thought, reduced to flashes of lights and muted voices. When he comes to, he’s in the harsh fluorescent glow of Motol University Hospital, a sterile white ceiling above him. Bandages are tightly wound around his torso, and his arms are secured to the bed’s metal rails. His wand is gone, confiscated the moment they dragged him inside, and any attempt to move is met with a dull, agonizing throb from his wound. Two armed guards stand at the doorway, their eyes locked on him with an unsettling intensity, while StB officers linger just outside, their muffled voices cutting through the antiseptic silence.
Each day blurs into the next in a haze of pain, anger, and bitter regret. He lies in a near-paralyzed state, forced into a grueling recovery, but each wound they stitch only intensifies the ache of his failure. As he drifts in and out of consciousness, his mind lingers on the Philosopher’s Stone—the promise of ultimate power that had slipped through his fingers and had cost him everything. Once, he had chased it with a fire, convinced that his pursuit was noble, but now it felt like a curse, a siren’s call that had lured him into ruin.
Lara[edit | edit source]
Lara navigated her military jeep (UAZ 469 which she stole from some patrol unit) through the winding, narrow roads of the Brdy mountains, her gaze fixed on the path ahead as she swerved to avoid a convoy of T-55 tanks rumbling ominously by. Their heavy, armored forms seemed to melt into the dense pine forests, their tracks leaving deep impressions on the muddy ground. Each tank appeared as a shadow moving through shadows, blending perfectly with the treeline, casting an eerie sense over the morning mist. She took a deep breath, steadying her hands on the wheel, just as the last tank in the line disappeared into the cover of trees, leaving only the faint metallic clank of its treads fading into silence.
As she drove on, the terrain gradually leveled, and soon the glimmering surface of the Slapy Reservoir spread out before her. The morning sun cast a hazy, golden glow across the water, still and silent, except for the occasional ripple from a fish breaking the surface. Lara slowed the jeep near the dam's edge, letting her eyes sweep over the tranquil scene. That’s when she saw him.
A man stood by the water’s edge, his stance casual yet exuding an alertness that made her stomach tighten. He held a pair of binoculars to his face, trained on her with an intensity that was both unsettling and oddly familiar. Tall and broad-shouldered, he wore a thick wool coat, and though she couldn’t make out his features from this distance, she caught sight of the faint plume of cigarette smoke curling into the cool morning air. His car, a bright red Škoda 120 GLS, was parked with a touch of pride beside him. The alloy wheels gleamed in the sun, and through the window, she could see the leather seats—clearly well cared for. It was the kind of car that seemed more like a prized possession than a simple vehicle.
Before she had time to process this strange scene, the man’s hand moved, reaching into the boot of his car. Lara tensed as he pulled out an old MP 40 submachine gun, holding it with a relaxed grip, as if it were no more than a familiar tool. Her heartbeat quickened. She’d seen weapons like that before, but something about his casual demeanor raised the hairs on the back of her neck. She quickly calculated her options, then made a decision.
With a swift, precise motion, Lara launched herself from the jeep and dove into the reservoir, her practiced swan dive slicing smoothly through the water. She plunged into the depths, letting the coolness engulf her as she sank, hoping the water would provide some cover and distance. Her mind raced, considering her next move, when a sudden crackle in her earpiece snapped her back to attention.
“You know,” a voice drawled, calm and amused, “if you’re trying to hide, you’re doing a lousy job of it.”
Her eyes widened. The voice was Czech, smooth and unhurried, almost as if he found her predicament entertaining. How had he tapped into her communication line?
“It’s rude to dive into a place like this without so much as an introduction,” he continued, a hint of mockery lacing his tone. “Especially with equipment like that—Western make, isn’t it?”
Lara stayed silent, her heart pounding as she clung to the quiet of the underwater world. But his voice continued, persistent, almost conversational.
“Lara Croft, right? I’d bet on it,” he said with unsettling confidence. “You’ve made quite a reputation for yourself here. Prague may be big, but it’s not that big.”
Finally, she replied, her tone edged with defiance. “Who the hell are you?”
“Ivan,” he answered smoothly. “Major Ivan of the Prague homicide division, or, as we call it, the Mordparta. And we don’t appreciate it when foreigners snoop around with high-tech toys.”
Lara surfaced for a brief moment, gasping for air, only to find him still there, casually leaning against his Škoda with a cigarette in hand, as though he had all the time in the world.
“You can come up, you know,” he called out, his voice warm but laced with mockery. “Trying to hide underwater is, let’s say, like throwing peas at a wall—pointless.”
She didn’t take the bait and dove again, hoping to shake his attention, but his voice echoed in her earpiece, almost bemused.
“You can’t stay down there forever, Lara. You’re smart, I’ll give you that, but... maybe a bit too stubborn for your own good?”
Time passed in a tense silence, with each dive leaving her more exhausted as the cold seeped into her bones, draining her strength. At last, his tone shifted, surprisingly soft, as though the game had lost its appeal.
“Come on, Lara. It’s October, and that water’s only going to get colder. You’re going to freeze,” he urged, his voice now genuine, concerned. “I promise, I don’t bite. Just surface, and we can talk like civilized people.”
Realizing her endurance was waning, she surfaced, finally allowing herself to tread water, watching him warily as he approached the water’s edge, his hands now resting casually on his hips, his expression softened and almost welcoming.
“So,” he began, his tone casual but probing, “mind telling me what brings a British archaeologist to Slapy, armed with enough gadgets to put our entire department’s budget to shame?”
She blinked water from her eyes, responding coolly, “Just... a personal project.”
“Personal project?” he repeated, a skeptical eyebrow raised. “And I’m supposed to believe you’re here on holiday in October?”
Despite her exhaustion, she smirked. “You could say I’m... looking for something.”
Ivan chuckled, a surprisingly warm sound that diffused some of the tension. “If it’s a Philosopher’s Stone you’re after, I hate to break it to you, but it’s probably a lost cause. Don’t tell me you actually believe in that stuff?”
Caught off guard, Lara managed a laugh. “Let’s just say I keep an open mind.”
Ivan’s expression softened further. “An open mind is one thing,” he replied, reaching into the boot of his Škoda and pulling out a thermos, “but an empty stomach is another.” He poured her a cup of coffee, the steam curling up like a lifeline of warmth in the cold morning air. Extending it with a faint grin, he added, “Warm coffee?”
Taking it gratefully, she let the heat spread through her hands. They spoke easily after that, their voices mingling with the morning sounds as they stood by the water. He shared stories of his life, mentioning how his parents had passed but left him with things of sentimental value—the MP 40, the Škoda, his only "family."
“Four years I saved for this beauty,” he said, his eyes distant with nostalgia. “Leather seats, Hella racing lights... and it’s red—of course.”
Lara smiled, unable to help herself. “Character building, I imagine?”
He laughed, nodding. “You could say that. You learn a lot about life through the small things. What about you? Any family back in Britain?”
Her gaze dropped as she nodded slowly. “I have family... but they’re worlds away. This job keeps me moving.”
They stood in comfortable silence, a mutual understanding settling between them. But as the cold began to seep in deeper, Lara’s vision blurred, and she felt her strength give way.
“Lara?” Ivan’s voice cut through the fog that clouded her mind. “Hey, stay with me.”
The world dimmed, and she vaguely sensed his arms catching her as she sank, his voice barking orders over the radio.
When she came to, she was lying on the shore, a blanket wrapped around her as emergency workers moved about, setting up equipment. Ivan hovered nearby, watching over her, his face a mix of worry and relief. She managed a faint smile, and he offered a reassuring nod, his earlier mockery replaced with genuine concern.
It was actually easy[edit | edit source]
After months of harrowing escapes, relentless pursuit, and brutal injuries, Harry and Lara find themselves confined in separate wards of Motol University Hospital under strict guard. The grueling recovery process drags through the autumn, their bodies weakened from wounds sustained in their final confrontations with the ČSLA, VB, and Svazarm. Both survivors are bruised and scarred, physically and emotionally, but as December 1989 arrives, they witness history from their hospital rooms.
The Velvet Revolution sweeps through Czechoslovakia, and by mid-December, the communist regime has crumbled. The once-feared StB, VB, and military forces they spent months eluding dissolve, their power evaporated in the tidal wave of change. Under the leadership of Václav Havel, newly appointed as president, Czechoslovakia is transforming, and so, remarkably, are the lives of Harry and Lara.
In early January 1990, Lara, still weak but now free, is called to the newly renovated office of President Havel. Harry, walking with a slight limp from his injuries, is at her side. Havel, with his characteristic humor and easygoing charm, greets them warmly. They explain, at last, the purpose behind their treacherous journey—their obsession with finding the Philosopher’s Stone. Havel, chuckling, leans back in his chair and asks, “Why didn’t you say so from the start?” He tells them that had they simply asked, the Czech people would have likely helped them in their quest rather than hounded them.
He then divulges the Stone’s location with a surprising casualness: the fabled artifact lies within the walls of Prague Castle, in a vault only recently opened in the spirit of the times. Lara and Harry are dumbstruck, realizing that the Stone was so close, all while they ran in circles across the country. The irony isn't lost on them, but relief washes over them as Havel, with a mischievous grin, says they’ll have their wish.
In February 1990, amid great ceremony, Havel himself presents the Philosopher’s Stone to them in the grand halls of Prague Castle. The room, filled with dignitaries and curious onlookers, watches as the duo finally takes hold of the object they risked everything for. For Harry and Lara, the moment feels surreal—a testament to their endurance, their folly, and, perhaps, the strange grace of fate.
With the Stone in hand, they are free at last, the future bright and full of promise. They leave Prague, bound for new horizons, but with a story that will never leave them, and with a respect for a people and a land that had almost been their undoing, yet ultimately led to their redemption.
However...[edit | edit source]
The moment of victory for Harry and Lara turns bittersweet almost immediately. As they prepare to leave Czechoslovakia with the Philosopher’s Stone in hand, they navigate a country in the throes of transformation. The post-revolutionary climate has sparked not only hope and freedom but also a startling spike in crime—up 1600% since the general amnesty and social upheaval. This surge catches them off guard, and at the airport, while preparing to board their flight home, they fall victim to an opportunistic thief. Their money, documents, and even their personal belongings are swept up in a swift heist.
Stranded, exhausted, and thoroughly disillusioned, they receive unexpected assistance from the newly restructured government. Recognizing their unique contribution (and likely relieved to see them leave), a government official arranges for their passage back home on a state aircraft—a sleek, silver Tu-154M. As they take their seats, surrounded by the austere luxury of the Soviet-era jetliner, they can’t help but reflect on the absurdity of their journey.
In the end, they leave behind not just a story of survival and tenacity, but a strange kinship with a land they hadn’t understood—and yet, which had offered them not only hardship but also a surprising and unforgettable redemption.