[HPforGrownups] Why not let Harry destroy the Prophecy from the beginning?

[Sherry Gomes]

No: HPFGUIDX 132657

I have another question about the Prophecy:

Since it was ultimately of little consequence that the orb recording 
the prophecy was destroyed, why didn't the Order just have Harry go in 
and destroy it from the beginning, rather than have people risk their 
lives to guard it?  Can anyone think of a plausible reason for this?  
Were they trying to prevent Harry from learning about the prophecy?  
Was it really smart to risk people's lives instead of just letting 
Harry in on the secret and foiling Voldemort's attempts to get the 
prophecy?

- davenclaw

Sherry adds:

And one thing that's always bothered me, why do they care if Voldemort hears
it?  He's already heard enough to make him try to kill Harry repeatedly.
What's the point of keeping it from him?  How will that make things worse?

sherry