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What was the goal/s of changing the venue and time of Harry's trial?



In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry faces a trial for having committed an act of Underage Magic outside of the confines of Hogwarts. Elements in the Ministry succeed in moving both the venue and the time of the trial at short notice.


What were their goals in doing so? Specifically, were they hoping to try Harry in absentia / have him found in contempt? Were they simply trying to undermine his chances of having his witnesses in attendance, damaging his prospects of winning the trial?



Answer



It doesn't appear that they were going to try Harry in absentia (in his absence). Fudge caustically notes that the Wizengamot has been waiting on his arrival.



‘Very well,’ said Fudge. ‘The accused being present – finally – let us begin. Are you ready?’ he called down the row.



That being the case, it seems likely that the primary aim was to damage the chances of Albus Dumbledore being able to attend (note that his message appears to have gone astray)



‘Ah,’ said Fudge, who looked thoroughly disconcerted. ‘Dumbledore. Yes. You – er – got our – er – message that the time and – er – place of the hearing had been changed, then?’



‘I must have missed it,’ said Dumbledore cheerfully. ‘However, due to a lucky mistake I arrived at the Ministry three hours early, so no harm done.’



and to generally discredit Harry in the eyes of the assembled witches/wizards, demonstrating by his lateness that he doesn't respect the proceedings.


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