Children of the Red King series by Jenny Nimmo

Midnight for Charlie Bone
The fabulous powers of the Red King were passed down through his descendants, after turning up quite unexpectedly, in someone who had no idea where they came from. Charlie Bone's life with his widowed mother and two grandmothers undergoes a dramatic change when he discovers that he can hear people in photographs talking. When Charlie Bone is sent to the Bloor's Academy he discovers that he is not alone in his talents. But not everyone is out for good. We meet Charlie and his new friends as he discovers more about the Red King and the battle that is waging between good and evil.

Fun series rather like HP but has it's own flavor. It has an interesting story and I especially like the fire cats.

Charlie Bone and the Twister

Charlie Bone and the Invisible Boy

Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors