In the end, it turned out that Snape was a true loyalist. He had handed the real Sword of Gryffindor to Voldemort and lured Harry Potter out.
Snape walked over and bowed apologetically. "My Lord, I'm sorry I failed to kill him. I can continue hunting him down and complete the task you assigned me."
"No need," Voldemort said amiably. "You're now Headmaster of Hogwarts. I need you to keep controlling the school for me. Let someone else handle the small matter of hunting Harry down, my loyal servant."
Harry Potter had ultimately escaped. But Voldemort had expected as much and didn't blame Snape. If this legendary young wizard didn't have the means or ability to save his own life, he wouldn't deserve to be the enemy fate had chosen for Voldemort.
Back in his prime, Voldemort had acted personally and still failed to kill the infant Harry Potter. In the end, that failure had led to his downfall and forced him to lie low for more than a decade. If Snape had actually killed Potter today, what would become of the Dark Lord's dignity?
To be honest, if Snape had really managed to kill Harry, his achievements would have threatened his master—and Snape would have been the next to die.
Snape bowed slightly. "You are truly merciful, my King."
Voldemort threw his head back and laughed. He held the Sword of Gryffindor in one hand and the Elder Wand in the other. The Sword of Gryffindor could safeguard his Horcruxes and his life, while the Elder Wand could guarantee his power and strength.
Now he held absolute power, and immortality was assured. He had nothing left to worry about.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix?
A mere nuisance. Why should he care?
Snape kept his head lowered