James dropped the subject of the elves. Maybe he could go by the kitchens and talk to one. But he'd never even heard of a cleaning inspector.
"There's an empty flower pot on the window sill, Professor."
He pointed his wand at a clump of dirt on the floor and nonverbally cast, "Scourgify".
Three bulbs bounced freely against the wall. With a flick of the wrist and "Immobilous" the bulbs freeze in place.

James muttered, "Locomotor Bulbs" and guided them to the flower pot.