A/N: Snape's point-of-view. (And sorry for the short chapter, but the next one is long and doesn't really fit in with this one.)
Severus was kneeling at the feet of The Dark Lord, his pet snake slithering around him as a predator taunts its prey. Stay clear, stay focused. Ignore Nagini, she won't strike unless The Dark Lord wills it.
"It is an auspicious day, Severus! You, my loyal servant, have finally returned to me." The Dark Lord's voice was lighthearted and meant to sound jovial, but every gentle word was caressed in secret threats. "Tell me again how Albus was surprised at you being there, surrounded by my Death Eaters. How he begged for his precious, pathetic little life."
Severus dipped his head reverently, knowing not to deviate from his previous retelling and to not embellish. "The fool was weak and old; his wand-hand was blackened from a curse he could not counter. He was simply resigned to his fate as he asked simply, 'Severus, please'. If anything, he was begging for a merciful death rather than I turn against my true master."
The Dark Lord was pleased at the death, but unhappy with the details. "Typical Gryffindor courage, trying to die with a modicum of pride." He nearly spat as he said it.
Severus nodded his agreement. "He died with as much dignity as he could. I would die in a similar fashion as Purebloods are wont to do rather than be a simpering coward as my muggle father had."
Voldemort smiled, reflecting on his own patricide. "I have a task for you, Severus. I believe it is now time for us to reclaim our missing brethren. The Ministry will be too busy converging to mourn Albus' death to protect Azkaban. I have sent out my red herrings that will ensure that the Auror Corps will be directing all of their attention and power at protecting Ministry officials and the Foreign Dignitaries that will most assuredly come."
"Very well, My Lord. May I ask about the Dementors that guard the island?" Severus wondered how he would be able to stand against the few dozen that have been stationed there.
"I have summoned for them to come home; they will give you little to no trouble." Voldemort turned away, dismissing him. As Severus got up to leave, The Dark Lord bid him to stay with the raising of a finger. The demented man has missed his puppet. Severus thought momentarily, keeping his eyes upon the floor.
"Severus, take Bellatrix and Draco with you. I'm sure she wishes to be reunited with her husband... and the boy needs to learn how to get his hands dirty. Make sure he kills... something... this time?"
Severus bowed, "As you wish, My Lord," and left the antechamber.