Yeah, so I avoided replying earlier, but I think the discussion has revealed an interesting interpretations of of what constitutes an MC move and following the principles in applying it.
I mean, we don't name the move as an MC, we just take our turn in the conversation, or where the situation demands it right? So in the context of Hypnotic (the most complicated move in the damn game!), if you as MC spend an NPC's hold you are advised not to have them act against the skinner. This is good. But that's not to say you aren't making a move.
Probably not a Hard move, but I can theorise many instances when your turn in the conversation is the utilisation of an NPC's hold under Hypnotic that is exactly a MC move as described and followed by the ubiquitous 'what do you do?'. Moves follow logically from what's going on in the fiction, they snowball, from player moves or MC moves.
There is no status quo in AW, remember? So as long as the players make moves and you honour their rolls, using the results to upset the balance is good MCing in my mind.
For instance the Skinner may ask an NPC they have previously hypnotised to do a thing, secretly hoping the MC will do just that, allowing hold to be used. The MC is a fan of the player's right? So yeah, you go with that, but it is such an opportunity for you make a move of your own. Player's moves, whether a success or fail or future hold set up MC moves a treat! They are designed that way!
'So you ask Furrball to use her clout with the murderous mutants to ensure they follow your orders? Furrball does just as you ask, wandering over, arms raised despite the risk - using up one of your hold over her.'
But then this is your chance to Bring it! Seperate them! Announce Future Badness, Take away their stuff, put them in a spot, turn their move back on them, tell them the consequences and ask, offer them an opportunity with or without a cost?
I can see endless tension narrative prompts that are responding with fuckery and intermittent rewards, and they are all MC Moves, just like the chapter on MCing describes how to use them.
So I would argue that yes, using up hold on NPC's under the influence of Hypnotic? Is making an MC move but misdirecting.