The Protection of the Prophecy Plot (Was: Themes and theories)

[davewitley]

Catherine wrote

I was very dissatisfied with the whole prophecy plot line.  Not so 
much regarding the
> prophecy itself, but I still cannot comprehend why exactly it was 
so important to guard the
> prophecy - or even keep it in existence.  Yes, there is the whole 
insanity thing to get around,
> but why on earth couldn't they have just smashed it? 

Indeed.  Furthermore, this is not the only example where a seemingly 
standard bit of magic (the equivalent, more or less, of a 
combination lock) trumps all the ability and creativity of a 
Dumbledore and a Voldemort.

Other examples include the Triwizard goblet - weak enough to be 
fooled by Crouch, strong enough for Dumbledore to be obliged to 
enter Harry in the tournament, and Apparition at Hogwarts.

David