Crossword Genius

Conspirator left, being hugged by Harry? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

plotter

'conspirator' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'left being hugged by harry?' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'being hugged by' means one lot of letters goes inside another (I've seen this in other clues).
'harry?' becomes 'potter' (Harry Potter).
'l' going into 'potter' is 'PLOTTER'.

(Other definitions for plotter that I've seen before include "One who schemes" , "Conspirator's" , "Conspirator" , "Schemer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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