A/N: I surprise even myself sometimes! All the lovely reviews made me feel guilty so I found time and a laptop so I could write this. Anyway, enjoy!
Holmes soon returned throwing something into the corner. I had too many questions to care about what it was.
I was right in thinking that he had been to visit Mycroft. Apparently, as the contents of the box also concerned Mycroft, Holmes had though it best to tell him.
"You see Watson" Holmes said "it concerned many people but I have no need to tell them now. It concerns them no longer. They are either dead or I care not what they think or want."
Their was something surprisingly bitter about the way he said it but I was too anxious to question him that I thought nothing of it.
I brought the three letters over to him and asked him to explain what they were about.
He took them from me and read them. He did not smile but wore a rather pleased expression. I could tell that these letters brought joy to him to read again. A look of fond remembrance danced across his face and he looked so thoughtful that it reminded me of the time in the case I titled the naval treaty when he took a most singular interest in a rose voicing his rather strange philosophy on flowers and the goodness of providence.
When he had finished reading, he sat in silence and I thought it best not to disturb him.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, he burst into speech: "This one," he said waving the first letter at me "was written when I was 5. Mycroft treated me, at least intellectually, the same as others his age and with good reason too. There was no one of particular intelligence that he knew. I did not ignore the letter as he feared I might but I obviously did keep it. You know that I have a horror of throwing away documents and I did even then. Besides, I kept all of Mycroft's letters and used them as a structure to improve my writing. You see," and he said this rather grudgingly "I wanted to impress Mycroft as younger brothers always do. I was embarrassed by my childish attempts to write something more mature sounding and so used his letters as a guidance. I ran a risk of them being found but I hid them well and since no one new of them they would not try to find them anyway."
"So, what did Mycroft give you?" I inquired
"Have you ever heard of that old saying: 'curiosity killed the cat', Watson?"
"Of course, though I don't see how that applies to this situation. Surely it was nothing that bad."
"No,"he said with a laugh "I suppose it was not. Fine I'll tell you. That night, at 11, I snuck out of my room and made my way to Mycroft's without making a sound. I softly tapped at his door, as he had instructed, and entered his room. He was there waiting for me and ushered me in.
"Now Sherlock" he said "remember what I said: do not tell anyone about this." I nodded in understanding and he went to his writing desk where he retrieved a rectangular parcel and handed it over to me.
"Now" he said "don't let father find this. You know what his views are on such matters. And before you open it, what can you tell me about it."
Mycroft had a habit of doing this. He would never give me anything or tell me anything without my trying to work it out first.
"Well," I said "it's some kind of book and its most likely new."
"What type of book?"
"One that father can't know about. That doesn't exactly narrow it down much though. Can I open it, now?"
Mycroft sighed "As impatient as ever, Sherlock. Go on."
I tore off the packaging as quietly as was possible and found that I held in my hands a journal.
It was new as I had said and was of good quality."
"Wait a moment," I interjected "why would your father object to your having a journal? I can't see anything wrong with that?"
"It was more of what I would do with it that he didn't like. You see, Watson, I was a curious child and, for some reason, this seemed to infuriate my father. I loved to experiment and explore and I was always testing new things, comparing, studying and also asking lots of questions.
"Is there a particular reason you have bought this for me?" I asked my elder brother
"To record down the results of those little experiments of yours and to write down your observations. An organised mind, Sherlock, is a great one."
I nodded and thanked him then returned to my room.
From that day on, my gift from Mycroft slowly filled with information and results on a wide range of subjects that interested my young mind. I took it everywhere with me but always made sure it was well hidden.
It wasn't until I was careless and it found its way into the hands of my father that it done anything but good for me."
Before I forget, for anyone who is interested, check out all the responses to Hades Lord of the Dead's advent calendar challenge. Its only just started but I can assure you that it's lots of fun. If anyone wants to join in the festive fun then just PM Hades Lord of the dead, who I'm sure won't mind you joining in slightly late.
And if you're feeling charitable and unscrooge like then please review!