SOLVED. Fantasy Book Series; teens with powers isolated. [s]

[Kaity]

Searching for a book series that I read in about 2005-2010. Fantasy series where a girl with powers (can talk to animals among other abilities) is taken to a castle-like place where she is a servant. There are other kids there too, and a guy who is the leader but has no abilities (the main character ends up having a crush on this guy). They eventually take over the place in the first book and the series goes on from there with 5-8 books. I remember distinctly that the main girl has a cat who comes with her and talks to her. Also, in the fourth or fifth book, I think there was a girl named Dragon with red hair. She's on the cover with the cat sleeping in her hair. I know this is vague, but that is all I remember. Female author, very good books! Please help me out here someone!

[Trillian]

This is the Obernewtyn Chronicles by Isobelle Carmody.

[Kaity]

Thank you!!