"Oh any number of ways," Holmes waves a hand. "Butchers and slaughtermen would know, for example. And as I said, it was expected learning for a gentleman." His eyes narrow, remembering. "It was especially interesting in light of the fact that very few people, all of them highly placed, even knew of my involvement of the case."
"A failing on the part of humanity," Holmes remarks with a sigh. He's done a great deal of sighing lately. "What? Oh. Yes, of course. The stories." He smiles. "Watson did have an eye for certain details. A very good idea Clayborn. Else we'll have each other sobbing in our tea." He gives the other man a long look. "You may indulge yourself if you wish. There are limits to the lengths I'll go for an effective disguise."
"Really?" he murmurs fascinated. "Has Winky ever met a mundane?" He looks startled. "In a tea cozy?! Do house elves usually go about unclothed?" He's more than willing to accommodate Winky, but there are limits. "They see laundry as a threat?" he asks weakly. "Er, what does she look like exactly," he manages.