[HPforGrownups] Re: Why were they guarding the prophecy in the first place?

[Gregory Lynn]

No: HPFGUIDX 131022

I think anyone could have destroyed the prophecy just by taking a hammer to it.

However, I think there was some value in keeping it intact.  As long
as it was intact, Voldemort would come after it.  If it were
destroyed, he would go after someone else who had the information.  By
keeping it intact, the Order A) knows what Voldie is going after, and
B) can set a trap for him.

Think about it, what's the thing the Order wants the most?  For the
powers that be to recognize that Voldie is back.  What better way than
to have Voldie show up in the MOM?

Dumbledore knew that eventually there would be some kind of shoedown
at the ministry where Voldie and his death eaters would show up.  They
made sure they were around so that they could descend en masse and
trap them there until Fudge et al. could see for themselves.

-- 
Gregory Lynn