Why is it locked?

[Claire]

No: HPFGUIDX 71527

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Richelle Votaw" <rvotaw at i...> 
wrote:
> Regarding the room at the Department of Mysteries that Dumbledore 
says is kept locked at all times, and Harry tries unsuccessfully to 
open with the knife Sirius gave him--why is it locked?  If this room 
indeed contains love (or some form of love), why is it locked?  To 
keep people out, or to keep love in?  What would happen if it 
weren't locked?  And it's not just locked, but apparently protected 
against magical opening devices, like the knife.  The room with the 
veil (death) wasn't locked.  Surely death is more dangerous than 
love.  
> 
> I lay awake last night thinking about this, but didn't come up 
with much.  Any thoughts on the matter?
> 
> Richelle
> 
> 
Me:
Perhaps it's locked for the same reason the WW is kept secret from 
the Muggle world (as Hagrid tells Harry in PS/SS)--because everyone 
would want the instant solution to their problems.  Additionally, 
love is so powerful that it can be frightening.

Claire