"No, not yet." said the woman, and Hermione saw that the Headmistress was conflicted and uncomfortable about whatever she was about to say next. "You see, this ball is suppose to be a ball in memory and in hope for the brighter future after the war. It will not only be our students in attendance but parents and other influential figures. From famous writers, potion masters. and pureblood families to the minister of magic. It is supposed to symbolise the next chapter of our history. It is by the orders of the Ministry that the ball shall be held where the war ended: Hogwarts. But that is not all the Ministry wishes for. They have a certain image they want us to paint."