Crossword Genius

Messed about, like Hogwarts Harry? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pottered

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'messed about' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I can't see how they can define each other.

'hogwarts harry?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'harry?' could be 'potter' (Harry Potter) and 'potter' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'like' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pottered that I've seen before include "Did nothing very much" , "Busied oneself in an idle manner." .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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