novelzi Chapter 134 - 134 - Title Deeds
Chapter 134 - 134 - Title Deeds
Alex moved swiftly, eager to explore the rest of the rooms. The next door revealed a fully equipped kitchen. The countertops gleamed, and a ventilation system had been installed to handle cooking fumes. Despite its age, the space was spotless. Another door led to a bathroom that, like the kitchen, was immaculately clean and appeared unused.
Finally, Alex stepped into a bedroom. The layout was practical but comfortable. A fireplace dominated one wall, with neatly stacked firewood inside. Oddly, the inner walls of the fireplace were free of soot, as though it had never been lit. Beside the fireplace was a large bed, and against another wall stood several matching wooden cabinets. When Alex opened them, he found them filled with neatly folded sheets, quilts, and a variety of spare clothes.
Bookshelves lined another side of the room, most of them empty, save for a few dozen books and some old newspapers. At the center of the bookshelves was a solid wooden desk, its surface scattered with writing tools and stationery. Two neat stacks of parchment paper stood ready for use. Beside the desk was a wine cabinet and counter, both empty now, but their design hinted at the room's aristocratic past.
"This must've been a safe house for the Tefras family," Alex mused, taking in the room. "They clearly prepared for long-term hiding, maybe even a doomsday scenario. With all these supplies, you could stay here for years."
As he carefully
Turning his attention to the items on the top shelf, Alex picked up the paper first. His excitement grew as he read it. "A land deed for Diagon Alley?" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with delight. "Now this is a jackpot!"
The unsigned title deed in Alex's hands was officially certified by the Ministry of Magic. As long as the deed remained in his possession, the house and even the land it pertained to would be recognized under magical law.
"I can't believe the joke I made with Ms. Primpernelle actually came true. This is a jackpot," Alex thought, a smirk forming on his face. "No wonder this thing needed such tight protection—it's an unsigned title deed."
Unsigned title deeds were extraordinarily rare. Alex had only come across mentions of them in the archives of pure-blood wizarding families. In the magical world, most wizards didn't bother with title deeds for their properties. Why would they, when all it took was a few powerful shielding spells to make a place virtually undetectable? Some even opted to buy or modify Muggle properties, blending into the non-magical world as needed.
However, in special wizarding areas like Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade, things were different. Every property in these bustling hubs had to be carefully documented, registered with the Ministry of Magic, and accompanied by an official title deed. Unsigned title deeds, though, were another level of rarity and complexity.
To convert a normal title deed into an unsigned one required a mountain of bureaucracy. It needed approval from a Ministry department head and a member of the Wizengamot, making them an expensive and cumbersome option. But their unique advantages made them valuable: anonymity and protection. They didn't just mask the owner's identity; they were magically binding. Not even the Ministry could breach a property with such a deed unless granted permission. In areas with strict real estate regulations, like Diagon Alley, such deeds ensured complete privacy.
Alex guessed that the Travers family patriarch, who held a high rank in the Wizengamot, had arranged for this one. It was likely intended as a failsafe—a secure hideout in case the family ever lost power or faced persecution, such as being targeted by the Ministry. Unlike the Fidelius Charm, which concealed the very existence of a location, unsigned deeds focused on obscuring ownership while still allowing the property to function within the public domain.
The downside, though, was its simplicity in transferring ownership. Whoever held the deed effectively owned the property. This feature, while convenient for transactions, made it risky if stolen or misplaced. For example, now that Alex had it in his hands, the property was automatically his.
Alex spread out the title deed and infused it with his magic. As his power seeped into the parchment, intricate magical runes flared to life, briefly glowing before fading. The deed recorded his magic signature, completing the transfer. "It's secure, but it's far too easy to lose ownership. If someone swiped this from me, it'd be a nightmare to sort out," Alex muttered, folding the deed carefully. "I'd better head to the Ministry and have it converted into an exclusive title deed when I get the chance."