The implication in S3 was that the demon holding the contract could make it null and void (and in S2, we see that they could do that without undoing the granted desires). So Crowley could release the lien on the soul. My impression is that Crowley has soul rights via contract, not the physical possession, and that the writing was a little fuzzy there.

I think he has a lien on the soul. Like buying a car. Technically it's the banks until you pay it off, but you can drive it.

And Plei has my brain. Again.

I assume that if the demon who holds the deed to the crossroads deal dies, the deal is broken, ownership of the soul reverts to the person who made the bargain. Sam kept trying to find and kill the demon who held Dean's contract. If a higher-level demon offs the one who holds the contract, or simply decides to take over his or her corner, then the deal stands, but with the more powerful demon as lienholder.

triplecross post!

I assume that if the demon who holds the deed to the crossroads deal dies, the deal is broken, ownership of the soul reverts to the person who made the bargain.

Then Crowley isn't protected against death by holding the deed.

Yes, but he's King of the Crossroads. Top of his particular food chain, if he's a reliable source. I have no idea of the workings of hell's hierarchy, but I can't picture the demon in charge of flaying, who has a little seniority over Crowley, deciding he wants to move in on crossroads deals. Could happen, I suppose, but it doesn't seem likely.

And if you're talking about Crowley dying by a mortal's hand, then you're right. That's how attempts to break crossroads deals usually go, by killing the demon who holds the contract.

I assume that if the demon who holds the deed to the crossroads deal dies, the deal is broken, ownership of the soul reverts to the person who made the bargain. Sam kept trying to find and kill the demon who held Dean's contract.

Sam assumed that, but I don't think it's accurate. There's probably, like, demonic probate courts and codicils to the contract like, "Kill me, Dean Winchester, and Bobby Singer never gets the clear title to his soul."

Oh I'm sure Crowley's made sure his ass is covered. Sterling never loses, after all.

See, now I'm picturing a crossover where Sam and Dean hire Team Leverage and things kick off with Nate saying, "Let's go steal a soul."

Because that would be awesome.

if you're talking about Crowley dying by a mortal's hand, then you're right. That's how attempts to break crossroads deals usually go, by killing the demon who holds the contract.

That's what I meant. If a human killing Crowley voided the deal, taking the soul by contract (as opposed to taking it and hiding it somewhere) wouldn't be any insurance at all.

Sam assumed that, but I don't think it's accurate.

Show didn't do anything to contradict that--didn't the demons he tried to kill to void it just tell him that they didn't hold the contract?

I'm willing to accept the idea that Bobby still has his soul and Crowley just has the title, but it's messy writing, including the unchallenged assumption that killing him would actually fix everything. I mean, Sam still thinks that, no? I don't have the episode to hand, so I can't say exactly what Crowley said when explained his insurance policy.