There was a chapter back in volume one or two that basically started the same way, and I thought it was a really neat touch. The huge contrast really shows how far the series has matured. Even though this is supposed to be idyllic and sweet to the point of weirdness, it's really how the series was back then. Both Negi and the readers have been through a lot.
But yeah, it's not the most original idea. Interesting to get more hints about Zazie and her connection with Fate's group. Weird that her ability seems tied to the very core principles (and name) of Fate's group but he doesn't recognize her... Perhaps she was there for the organization's founding.